2018 started with a community tour for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA). Our team met with five Qikiqtani communities on the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) that will lead to the creation of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area.

Sandra Inutiq, QIA’s Chief Negotiator on the Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, hosted community meetings in Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord, Clyde River and Pond Inlet.

The open houses were an opportunity for QIA to get feedback on the Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement and to gather insights from communities on what should be included in this agreement. QIA is working on an extremely tight deadline, the Tallurutiup Imanga IIBA is scheduled to be negotiated with Parks Canada by March 2019.

The public meetings included a short presentation followed by a community celebration and performance led by Qaggiavuut’s Natashia Allakariallak and Jerry Laisa. The Qaggiavuut artists also led children’s workshops in each community.