Updated September 30, 2004

The government

	Nunavut flag: Gold, white and blue symbolize the riches of the land, sea and sky. The inukshuk, a traditional landmark for Arctic travellers, is red as a reference to Canada.

The government made history on April 1, 1999 with the creation of Nunavut—the first change to the map of Canada since Newfoundland joined Confederation 50 years before. This milestone in Canada's evolution is rooted in federalism, a fundamental idea that has guided the nation's leaders in building Canada both as a geographic entity and as a people. Federalism calls for the harmonious management of differences.