Environmental Stewardship

Nauttiqsuqtiit Inuit Steward

The Eyes and Ears of Tallurutiup Imanga

The Nauttiqsuqtiit, or Inuit stewards, are the eyes and ears of Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area – not only monitoring the region but also harvesting to the benefit of the community. The Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement funds the Nauttiqsuqtiit Inuit Steward Program.

This program provides Inuit jobs as environmental stewards and harvesters. It also provides a foundation for mentorship, training, and economic development for Inuit.

In July 2018, QIA launched the Tallurutiup Imanga Nauttiqsuqtiit pilot project in Arctic Bay as an early benefit from Parks Canada. The animals harvested by the Nauttiqsuqtiit in Arctic Bay were shared with the community at community feasts. The nonedible animal parts were shared with seamstresses and artisans to bolster the local economy. These efforts have illustrated the importance of harvesters and harvesting to food sovereignty in the Qikiqtani Region.

The success of the pilot program led to its expansion to the other four Tallurutiup Imanga communities – Clyde River, Grise Fiord, Pond Inlet and Resolute Bay.

Pond Inlet Wildlife Monitoring

Community Based Monitoring

QIA’s community-based monitoring project in Pond Inlet was started in 2017 as a response to community concerns with seismic testing and increased shipping in the area.

The aim of the project is to gather information on the health, well-being and abundance of wildlife surrounding Pond Inlet. The information can help inform decisions on policy, advocacy, and management of issues that affect Inuit.

The project is funded through Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.