Iqaluit, Nunavut, December 7, 2022 – Canadians and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) understand that protecting our natural heritage is an essential element to the sustainability of our environment, economy and communities. From coast to coast to coast, Indigenous Canadians continue to lead the way in protecting our lands, waters and oceans.

QIA is proud to have our regional model of conservation recognized by the Government of Canada, together with Canadian and international donors who believe in our vision to bring forward an expanded model of Inuit-led conservation activities in all our communities.  We are building on QIA’s existing Nauttiqsuqtiit program that is already being implemented in five Qikiqtani communities.

“Today’s announcement is a clear signal that the Government of Canada is prepared to walk alongside Inuit to establish a permanent regional conservation model that prioritizes Inuit governance and sustained direct participation in managing our homelands” said Levi Barnabas, Qikiqtani Inuit Association Acting President.

QIA’s regional model seeks the following targeted outcomes:

• A Whole of Government mandate, inclusive of funding, policy and targeted infrastructure commitments, that is equal to the scale and longevity of an unique regional protected area model that includes Inuit-led regional governance;

• Establishment of a Qikiqtani Fisheries Reconciliation Table;
• Achievement of a Qikiqtani Fisheries Reconciliation Agreement, including support for new Nunavut’s fisheries sector policies, that expands Inuit access and participation in adjacent fisheries;
• Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement(s) for proposed conservation areas, that include Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas, safeguarded through Inuit stewardship and governance founded on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and aligned with a sustainable regional protected area model involving all 13 Qikiqtani communities; and
• Collaboration with communities, the Government of Nunavut, the Government of Canada, and philanthropic funders to confirm additional protected areas, marine and terrestrial protection measures.

You can view the full report on the QIA website:

Inuktitut:  ᐊᕕᑦᑐᕐᓯᒪᓂᐅᔪᑎᒍᑦ ᓴᐳᔾᔨᕕᒻᒥᑦ ᐱᓇᓱᐊᕈᑕᐅᔪᖅ 2022

English: A Regional Conservation Approach 2022

For media inquiries, please contact:
Karen Flaherty
Director of Communications, Qikiqtani Inuit Association
(P) 867.975.8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742

kflaherty@qia.ca