February 27, 2025 – Iqaluit, Nunavut – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), in partnership with the Government of Canada and Pew Charitable Trusts, signed the SINAA Agreement today. This landmark agreement set outs steps for establishing new and enhanced environmental protections and Inuit governance over 795,253 km² of Qikiqtani land and waters. It forms the cornerstone of QIA’s vision for regional conservation.
Under the SINAA Agreement, Canada has planned to contribute $200 million toward conservation, Inuit employment, and Inuit-led governance in the Qikiqtani Region once the agreement is in effect. In addition, philanthropic donors, led by the Enduring Earth network and Pew Charitable Trusts, will contribute $70 million. When combined with an extra $118 million generated through investments over the next 10 years, these funds are projected to support nearly 50 new jobs and the construction of at least four new Nauttiqsuqtiit Conservation Centres.
In parallel with the SINAA Agreement, QIA is working to secure an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) for Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq and initialled an Agreement in Principle. Through this Agreement in Principle, QIA is collaborating with the Government of Canada on establishing two marine protected areas and a terrestrial Inuit Protected and Conserved Area.
QIA also continues to engage with the Government of Canada in securing funding for the construction of a small craft harbour in Arctic Bay that will fulfill a commitment the Government of Canada made through the Tallurutiup Imanga and Tuvaijuittuq IIBA. This harbour will enhance opportunities for harvesting and inshore fisheries development for all Arctic Bay residents, bolstering food security and providing greater access to country food and traditional Inuit hunting when sea ice is absent. The investment in the harbour will be for $105.9 million over seven years, beginning in 2025 and expected to be operational by 2031.
“With the signing of SINAA we now have a framework to move forward and create opportunities for Inuit, by Inuit. Working together with the Government of Canada, Philanthropic donors and partners, like the Government of Nunavut, we are setting an example of what Indigenous led marine and terrestrial management should be.” says Olayuk Akesuk, President of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association
QIA’s work to deliver upon these investments is guided by the Qikiqtani Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas Plan, a document founded upon input from all Qikiqtani communities which will be implemented according to community conservation plans unique to each Qikiqtani community.
QIA remains committed to protecting the land and waters of the Qikiqtani Region, creating Inuit employment opportunities, fostering Inuit-led governance, and expanding opportunities in the offshore fisheries sector.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
(P) 867.975.8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742
BACKGROUND:
QIA’s Vision for a Regional Conservation approach includes fully staffed Nauttiqsuqtiit crews, a dedicated conservation centre, and local governance in each of the region’s 13 communities, complemented by region-wide governance bodies and conservation staff deployed throughout the area, please see November 2023 AiP Summary linked below.
Beyond conservation management and monitoring, the SINAA Agreement will ensure the integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit will deepen understanding of wildlife and climate change impacts, while Nauttiqsuqtiit crews provide community opportunities to harvest country food and learn traditional skills.
Additionally, QIA ensured that a closing condition of the SINAA Agreement included the Qikiqtani Fisheries Agreement between QIA and Canada. This agreement once ready to be implemented will provides funding for licenses, vessels, and gear to fish turbot and northern shrimp in the waters adjacent to the Qikiqtani Region. Although the Nunavut Agreement guarantees Nunavut a fair share of resources, the territory has long been underrepresented in the offshore fishing industry. While most southern jurisdictions access between 80% and 90% of the fishing resources in their offshore waters, Nunavut controls only 52% of these resources. This funding will help balance representation, stimulate the Qikiqtani economy, create increased employment opportunities for Inuit, and boost revenue for Nunavut-owned enterprises by supporting sustainable, regenerative resource harvesting.
Quick Facts on Projected Benefits when Agreements are in Effect:
SINAA Agreement:
- Established new and enhanced environmental protection and Inuit governance over 795.253 km²
- $200 million contribution from Canada
- $70 million contributed by philanthropic donors, and Enduring earth network and PEW Charitable Trust
- $118 million to be generated through investments in the next 10 years
Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq IIBA
- Support Canada establish two marine protected areas and a terrestrial Inuit Protected and Conserved Area
- $20 million towards the construction of a Nauttiquqtiit Centre
- $34 million towards supporting Inuit employment, Inuit led governance, community programming and inshore fisheries
Tallurutiup Imanga IIBA:
- $105.9 million for the construction of a Small Craft Harbour in Arctic Bay
Qikiqtani Fisheries
Funding for licenses, vessels and gear to fish turbot and northern shrimp
Overall
- Over 500M invested over the next 10 years towards conservation efforts in the Qikiqtani Region,
Please see November 2023 Summary of the AiP here
