QIA AGM Conclusion
(Iqaluit, Nunavut, October 10) – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is pleased to announce it has successfully closed its Annual General Meeting. The Board of Directors extended the meetings to ensure all agenda items could be discussed and resolutions passed.
The discussions held at this year’s event week centered upon the changes that have come to the region in recent times with topics ranging from the Qikiqtani Truth Commission, Inuktitut language, resource exploration, seismic activities and the on-set of commercial operations at Mary River.
At the conclusion of meetings the Board was unanimous in their views that for projects to be successful in the region, true partnerships need to be established which allow Inuit to access and unlock opportunities consistent with the vision of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA). The QIA Board was also clear that engaging Inuit as part of the project planning process, as opposed to when project plans have been made and are ready to be announced, is key to building Inuit support.
In recent years, QIA has been involved in a number of projects whereby proponents have first engaged the formal requirements found within the NLCA, choosing to engage QIA afterwards. QIA believes that approaches to project planning which prioritize requirements above Inuit relationships do not foster trust and mutual benefit.
For QIA, Inuit interests are not an afterthought. Inuit interest are the basis from which the future will be built consistent with the rights and values of today’s people.
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Media contact:
Maude Bertrand
Communications Manager
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
867.975.8400
1.800.667.3238
mbertrand@qia.ca
