The NWT Association of Municipalities was formed in 1967 to represent the interests of municipal governments in what was then the Northwest Territories.

In 1999, Nunavut was created as part of the 1993 Nunavut Land Settlement Agreement, which stipulated the division of the N.W.T into two territories. The land claim is administered by Nunavut Tungavik Incorporated, which represents Inuit interests in Nunavut.

The translation of Nunavut means “our land.” Inuit are a majority in Nunavut and at the time were not interested in separate governing institutions. Public governments are the vehicle for the political aspirations of the residents.

The communities of Nunavut are incorporated under the Hamlets Act or the Cities, Towns and Villages Act with  Iqaluit, the Capital of Nunavut being the only city. All other communities in Nunavut are Hamlets and are incorporated under the Hamlets Act.

With the creation of Nunavut, came the creation of a new association in 1999 representing the 25 municipalities.The Nunavut Association of Municipalities (NAM) is the non-governmental organization  providing a forum, support and a unified voice for  municipalities across Nunavut.

Nunavut’s population is estimated at around 40,000. Over 85% of those living in Nunavut are Inuit, living in 25 municipalities distributed in three regions: the Qikiqtani, Kivalliq and Kitikmeot.