Iqaluit, Nunavut – February 9, 2021 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) continues to observe and listen to Inuit protesting across Nunavut.

“At QIA’s January Board meeting and during the NIRB hearings in Pond Inlet I heard concerns from Qikiqtani Inuit and Mittimatalingmiut that Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit was not being honoured throughout this process,” says QIA president PJ Akeeagok.  “I heard from elders that we should speak about what we see and experience. I have heard from hunters that the project needs to slow down. I have heard impacted communities speak strongly about their concerns regarding Phase 2.”

Akeeagok affirms, “It is abundantly clear to me that the Phase 2 proposal before the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) has not been adequately developed. QIA believes success can be achieved when parties have time to work together to advance a common vision.”

QIA continues to support the extension of NIRB’s Community Round Table and anticipates further open engagement with impacted communities, especially oral questions, and comments vital to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.

QIA is thankful to all Inuit speaking up and informing decisions before us.

For more information, please contact:

Will Hopkins, Acting Director of Communications,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
whopkins@qia.ca
867.975.8413 or
1.800.667.2742