The NIWS  Board met in late January 2006 to identify priorities for the organization and discuss regional and territorial issues. The main objectives set forth by the Board are as follows:

1. Provide clear, transparent and accurate financial reports to the Board and HTO.
2. Provide an annual report which HTOs and RWOs can use at their AGM.
3. Coordination of RWO meetings and consultations.
4. Develop policies and procedures manual for NIWS.

The Secretariat has gained momentum and credibility since its inception which has prompted several organizations to approach NIWS in the hopes of establishing partnerships in areas of training, program delivery and community consultations to name but a few. Although the primary mandate of the Secretariat is to provide financial and administrative support to HTO and RWO, NIWS will eventually provide support in other areas such as the review of research applications, wildlife management and protection and policy development.

Some Accomplishments to Date

• Updating and reconciling RWO financial records;
• Establishing offices in Kugluktuk, Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit and Hall Beach as well filling positions within those communities;
• Updating by-laws which were approved by all three RWOs;
• Assist in updating and preparing HTO books for audits;
• Working closely with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) staff to get HTO and RWO accounts up to date and current;
• Establishing a centralized payroll system which includes HTO Managers from 24 of 25 communities and over 100 HTO Board members;
• RWO Annual General Meetings (AGMs), Regular board meetings and conference call meetings being completed on a consistent basis, minutes kept and resolutions followed up on;
• Assist RWOs and HTOs in reviewing and responding to research applications;
• Deliver Outpost Camp (OPC) program in the Qikiqtaaluk region and assist in the delivery of Community Harvester Assistance Program (CHAP) funding in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot;
• Assist Nunavut Harvester Support Program (NHSP) staff in the delivery, monitoring and aftercare of the program;
• Completed 2 successful Manager training sessions in Rankin  Inlet, third session planned for summer of 2008 in north Baffin;
• Completed two Board of Directors training sessions in Kugluktuk and Rankin Inlet, QWB training scheduled for 2008;
• Preliminary work completed on Financial and HR Policies for HTOs, implementation target date of mid 2008;
• Salary and Benefits packages and job descriptions developed for HTO managers, implementation date set for April 1, 2008 once all needs assessments and performance reviews are completed;
• Monthly stipend policy being drafted for presentation and review by RWO and HTO Board by mid-2008.