Iqaluit, Nunavut (March 28, 2011) – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association is pleased to announce the creation of Mary River Project Review Committees in seven Qikiqtani communities. These committees will be in Sanirajak, Igloolik, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Clyde River, Kimmirut and Kinngait.

“The challenge for QIA and the communities is to understand the size of the Mary River Project and to get involved in every way they can with Baffinland, the regulatory processes and the various levels of government” said President Okalik Eegeesiak. “These committees will help to develop meaningful benefits for Inuit, their families, and Baffin communities.”

The Mary River Project Review Committees are established to ensure effective communication and community engagement during both the environmental review process and Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA) negotiations associated with Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation’s proposed Mary River Project. Each committee will be instrumental to the Mary River Project in forming positions and directions that respond to and are supported by the communities. At the same time, the communities need up‐to‐date information and to feel that their views, knowledge and vision for the future are supported and promoted by QIA.

To assist the committees in their work the QIA Executive has approved a Terms of Reference, an interim budget and has hired a full time project coordinator.

A notice of interest has been issued to the affected communities where individual community members can express their interest to sit as a committee representative. Eligible applicants must be:

• Qikiqtaaluk residents;
• at least 16 years of age at the time of application and;
• beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreemen

Applications to become a Mary River Project Review Committee Representative can be found by
contacting your local Community Liaison Officer.

For further information, contact:
David Joanasie
Media Relations Advisor
975‐8414