The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), which represents approximately 14,000 Inuit in the Qikiqtani (Baffin) Region of Nunavut, and the federal government announced that they have reached an agreement in principle, outlining key elements of the future Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area.

The agreement includes a new collaborative federal-Inuit governance model and an Inuit advisory body for Tallurutiup Imanga and a chapter on infrastructure, said QIA president P.J. Akeeagok in a phone interview from Grise Fiord, Canada’s northernmost Inuit community.

“It’s a very historic moment to come to an agreement in principle for Tallurutiup Imanga,” Akeeagok said. “It’s a body of water that plays such a critical role for Inuit.”

Chris Debicki of conservation group Oceans North said the agreement in principle represents a “high water mark” in Canadian conservation agreements and a new approach to protecting sensitive ocean environments.

“It’s one that puts the people of the region first,” Debicki said. “That’s really a recognition that people in the best position to manage this wonderful ecosystem are the people who have been managing it for centuries.”

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