In The Road to Nunavut, R. Quinn Duffy analyses federal government policy on the social and economic growth of the Inuit. Duffy describes the economic, social, and political changes in the Eastern Arctic and provides the historical background to the current debate on Inuit land claims and political subdivision of the Northwest Territory.

Gradually, and somewhat reluctantly, the Canadian government assumed the role of guardian of the Inuit and became involved in their housing, education, employment, and health services. The evolution of government-supported services created problems that are still unmet; the changes in life-style that resulted were exacerbated by unemployment and the Inuit's inferior social and political status. Starting in the 1960's, these complex problems led to increased delinquency, violence, and abuse of alcohol. Duffy shows how the Inuit gradually assumed responsibility for improving their situation, eventually developing the political maturity that found expression in the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, its affiliated organizations, and the pressure for regional self-determination.