(July 16, 2009 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today announced that a community celebration will take place in Clyde
River on August 6, 2009. The celebration will mark one year of successful implementation of the Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA), for the future Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area.
The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement obligates the Government of Canada to negotiate an IIBA with Inuit for the designation of any park or protected area in
Nunavut. Once the designation and legal protection process of the Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area is finalized, it is expected to become the world’s first
bowhead sanctuary.
“This is a significant moment for the residents of Clyde River, who have been advocating for the protection of the bowhead whale population in their region since
the early eighties,” said Kaludjak. ”The successful implementation of this IIBA reaffirms the Inuit tradition of preserving our land, waters and wildlife for future
generations.”
The celebration in Clyde River will include a community feast, performances, and games. The event will draw visitors, dignitaries and media from across the country. A
ship carrying 100 students and educators from the organization Students on Ice will arrive in Clyde River the day of the event, along with representatives from WWFCanada.
The Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area is part an umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement between Inuit and the Government of Canada that includes two additional
new national wildlife areas, and 10 existing wildlife and bird sanctuaries. The boundaries of the NWA will be considered by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board in September.
For more information, search IIBA at www.tunngavik.com
For further information:
| BJ Barnes |
| Assistant Director of Communications |
| Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated |
| 867 975 4905 |
| Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006 |
