What is the Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership?

The Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership was signed by the Prime Minister, the ITK president, and the leaders of the four Inuit land claims organizations in Iqaluit on February 9, 2017. The Declaration is a commitment made by the federal government and Inuit leadership to work in partnership on shared priorities through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee. It is a non- binding symbol of goodwill and partnership that does not replace or infringe upon existing legal agreements, working relationships, or responsibilities between Inuit and the Crown.

What is the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee?

The Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee is a permanent committee tasked with creating prosperity for Inuit for the benefit of all Canadians. It will do so through the development of policy guidance, by taking action to advance shared priorities based on agreed-upon timelines, and facilitating collaboration within government.

Who are the members of the ICPC?

The ICPC is made up of Inuit leaders and federal ministers who have been identified based on our shared priorities. The Committee is co-chaired by the Prime Minister and ITK President. Inuit leaders include the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Chair and CEO of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the President of Makivik Corporation, and the President of Nunatsiavut. The Presidents of the National Inuit Youth Council, Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada have observer status.

What will the ICPC do?

The ICPC will identify shared priorities for action, develop work plans that structure partnership and action on shared priorities, and develop metrics for measuring and reporting on progress. Initial key areas of focus include the implementation of Inuit land claims agreements, social and economic development, cultural development, and taking reconciliation measures.

Why do we need an ICPC?

The ICPC was created to help make sure the federal government’s commitment to renewing its relationship with Inuit is followed by sustained actions that benefit our people. The objective of the ICPC is to enhance the federal government’s whole of government approach to engaging with Indigenous peoples. It will do so by introducing cooperation, implementation, and accountability to the vital work that is necessary to renew the relationship between Inuit and the Crown.

What is the relationship between the ICPC and Inuit land claims agreements? The leaders of the four Inuit land claims regions in Canada are signatories to the

Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership and sit as members of the ICPC. They have identified implementation of land claims agreements as one of the ICPC’s immediate areas of focus. The ICPC is structured to complement and not impede ongoing work on land claims implementation.

Does the ICPC change the way Inuit regions interact with the federal government? The ICPC respects Inuit land claims agreements, Indigenous rights and the human rights affirmed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It is structured to complement and not impede existing Inuit- federal/provincial/territorial work currently underway.