The Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s (QIA) Board of Directors concluded a successful spring board meeting this week with progress made on many issues.

QIA’s Board of Directors met in camera so that they could be fully briefed on all the aspects of the Mary River Project and the next steps. Topics discussed included the NIRB process, IIBA and project planning. QIA is still working towards an agreement in principle with Baffinland on the project.

There were briefings on the implementation plan for the Qikiqtani Truth Commission. The QIA Board of Directors revised the Community Initiatives Program and it is expected that applications for proposals will be sought in the coming weeks using the new criteria.

“These were very successful meetings with a lot of interesting discussion. While the Mary River Project made up a significant part of our meeting, it’s also important to note many other important issues that affect Inuit were debated over the past week,” said President Okalik Eegeesiak.

“We know there are many questions about Mary River and QIA is committed to addressing them. As well, any agreement in principle with Baffinland about an Inuit Impact Benefits Agreement will be taken to the communities before the board ratifies it so that we can explain it and receive feedback.”

QIA’s next Board of Director’s meeting will take place the first week of October.

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For further information, please contact:

Craig Welsh
Director of Communications
Tel: (867) 975-8416
Fax: (867) 979-3238
E-mail: dircomm@qia.ca