 The plate has long been famous worldwide for its unique design in the shape of a polar bear.Nunavut was licensed by the NWT to use the same licence plate design in 1999 when it became a separate territory, but adopted its own plate design in March 2012 for launch in August 2012—a rectangle that prominently features the northern lights, a polar bear and an inuksuk.The flag and the coat of arms of Nunavut were designed by Andrew Qappik from Pangnirtung.