Nunavut Journal: On April 1, 1999 Canada created the Nunavut Territory. With it came a new sense of pride for its native residents.

Carved out of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut is larger than California and Alaska combined and has a total population of 26,000 people, all but 3,900 are Inuit, or native peoples.

For thousands of years, a male Inuk was highly regarded for his hunting skills, his knowledge of the land, his calmness under stress and his ability to make decisions. In the early 1800's - when southern influences were introduced - the Inuit culture changed radically, becoming a culture that did as it was told.

Independence was replaced by welfare. Without traditional skills and responsibilities many young Inuit drifted into drinking, using drugs and committing suicide.

The translation of this new territory's name is sigificant to the Inuit. Nunavut means "Our Land." Aurora photographer Joanna Pinneo focused on capturing the livelihoods, unique culture, and challenges facing the Inuit as they begin to take back control of their lives and move forward into the 21st century.

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