News Release
For Immediate Release
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Governments of Canada and Nunavut Sign Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement for Canadian Heritage Rivers
July 9, 2019 — Kugluktuk, NU
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Government of Nunavut
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
For countless generations Inuit have relied on the land, sea and water ways as active stewards of the lands and waters in and around Nunavut. On this Nunavut Day, the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) have taken an important step towards fulfilling obligations set out in the Nunavut Agreement by signing an agreement to ensure continued Inuit participation in management of Canadian Heritage Rivers in the Nunavut Settlement Area.
Today, Aluki Kotierk, President of NTI, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Jeannie Hakongak Ehaloak on behalf of the Honourable Joe Savikataaq, Premier and Environment Minister of Nunavut, joined with community members to celebrate the signing of the Canadian Heritage Rivers Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA).
The settlement of this IIBA fulfills obligations set out in the Nunavut Agreement to negotiate an IIBA for any national park or conservation area established in the territory. Overseen by Parks Canada and provincial and territorial governments, with the support of the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board, the Canadian Heritage River System recognizes Canadian rivers that are of importance to Indigenous people, explorers, settlers, industry, and the economy.
Canada will provide $6.7 million to NTI, Kivalliq Inuit Association, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association for implementation of the IIBA. Funding will support activities such as Heritage Rivers water quality monitoring, Inuit cultural camps for adjacent communities, and the establishment of a business opportunities fund. Canada will also provide the Government of Nunavut with funding for incremental activities associated with the implementation of the IIBA.
The settlement and signing of this agreement demonstrates the parties’ commitment to recognizing and respecting Inuit history of land and water use in the area. Provisions of the agreement support Inuit participation in conservation and economic activities which build tourism expertise and support business development.
Quotes:
“These rivers have been, and continue to be, important transportation routes, particularly in the face of infrastructure deficits in Nunavut. Through signing of this IIBA and by recognizing Inuit history, use and management of these Heritage Rivers, we are contributing towards implementation of the Nunavut Agreement while promoting and conserving lands and waters and maximizing benefits to Nunavut Inuit. Further, in 2019 – the International Year of Indigenous Languages – our agreement also allows for formal adoption and use of Inuit place names – in the case of Nunavut’s Canadian Heritage Rivers: Qurluktuk, Sarvaqtuuq, Kuujjuaq and Akillinik.”
Aluki Kotierk – President, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
“Inuit involvement in the management of territorial lands and resources leads to increased investment and economic growth, and ultimately more job opportunities. With this agreement, we are honouring our obligations to Inuit and working collaboratively to increase the participation of Inuit in river management and conservation for the benefit of all Canadians.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“This is an important commitment towards the ongoing stewardship of Canadian Heritage Rivers in Nunavut, supporting economic benefits and traditional activities for Inuit. The water here is a vital resource and tells the story of our country, land and people. I encourage Canadians to visit and learn about the importance of Canadian Heritage Rivers.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
“The Government of Nunavut is committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that Nunavummiut benefit from the Canadian Heritage River System. These are places where we live, fish, hunt, and seek out recreation and solace. By signing this IIBA, we are taking steps to sustainably manage Nunavut’s Heritage Rivers, so that our children, and their children may continue to enjoy the land well into the future.”
The Honourable Jeannie Ehaloak, Minister of Justice on behalf of The Honourable Joe Savikataaq, Minister of Environment and Premier of Nunavut Government of Nunavut
Quick Facts:
• The Nunavut Agreement requires that, before a national park or conservation area is established in the Nunavut Settlement Area, Inuit and Canada negotiate an Inuit impact and benefit agreement.
• An Umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Canadian Heritage Rivers in Nunavut covers the following Nunavut rivers: the Coppermine River (Qurluktuk), the Kazan River (Sarvaqtuuq), the Soper River (Kuujuaq) and the Thelon River (Akillinik).
• The Impact and Benefit Agreement includes any matter connected with the proposed conservation area that would have a detrimental impact on Inuit, or that could reasonably provide a benefit on Inuit, including: cooperative management, continuation of Inuit harvesting rights, and Inuit employment and economic benefits.
• The Canadian Heritage Rivers System is a federal-provincial-territorial government program that works with community-level river stewardship groups to promote and conserve rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a way that recognizes the contributions of Inuit, their histories and cultures, and supports greater Inuit participation in the benefits arising from their use.
• “Nunavummiut” is the Inuktut word for residents of Nunavut.
Associated Links:
Nunavut Agreement
Canadian Heritage Rivers System
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)
For more information, media may contact:
Matthew Dillon-Leitch Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
Karen Flaherty
Manager, Communications, Education and Outreach
Government of Nunavut
867-975-7761
Oo Aqpik
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
1-888-646-0006
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