(March 26, 2026 – Nuuk, Greenland) The Board of Directors of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) met to address federal firearms legislation affecting Inuit harvesting rights and safety on the land.
The Board discussed Inuit concerns regarding the recent federal firearm legislation, known as Bill C-21, which came into force on December 15, 2025, banning more than 2,500 makes and models of so-called “assault-style” firearms. The Board passed a resolution calling on the Government of Canada to extend the firearms amnesty period in Nunavut by five years beyond its scheduled expiry of October 30, 2026, and continue the Indigenous exemption during the amnesty period to allow Inuit to exercise their harvesting rights and protect their families during the amnesty period.
The resolution also urges the government to explore evidence-based alternatives that allow Nunavut Inuit to protect, feed their families and exercise constitutionally protected harvesting rights. It is important to note that Amnesty Orders have been used and extended in the past to protect owners who were in legal possession of the newly prohibited firearms before the government can roll out a buy-back program.
While supporting federal efforts to address gun crime and firearm-related violence, NTI has consistently advocated that quickly reloading rifles are essential in Nunavut for deterring predators (e.g., polar bear, grizzly), harvesting fast-moving wildlife (e.g., wolves, seals), and reducing food insecurity. The Board expressed serious concern that, without changes, Inuit could face criminal consequences for subsistence activities and lose firearms without adequate compensation.
“Federal firearms legislation must account for the realities of Inuit in Nunavut. Without changes to Bill C-21, Inuit face the risk of criminal charges for exercising constitutionally protected harvesting rights. NTI is calling for an extended amnesty, continued Indigenous exemptions to use the banned firearms during the extended amnesty, and solutions that protect Inuit rights, food security, and safety,” said NTI President Paul Irngaut.
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Media Contact
Brodie Larocque
Acting Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
