The Qikiqtani Inuit Association today released a report titled Tallurutiup Tariunga Inulik: Inuit Participation in Determining the Future of Lancaster Sound.

“This report is a tool to continue to engage communities in the process of creating a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in Lancaster Sound. It talks about what an NMCA is, what processes and decisions are involved, previous efforts made to create a conservation area in Lancaster Sound, the role of Inuit and applied use of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and recent marine mammal science in creating a NMCA,” said QIA President Okalik Eegeesiak.

“QIA publication of this report is an important step forward in the NMCA feasibility process,” Ms. Eegeesiak added. “I am pleased to be able to release this report to Inuit and interested stakeholders and look forward to working with the federal government and the Government of Nunavut on completing the feasibility study for a Lancaster Sound NMCA.”

The focus of the report is on communities in the Lancaster Sound region including Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet and Clyde River. While engaging communities in the NMCA creation process, the report also provides the federal government, the Government of Nunavut and the public of Inuit perspectives on marine conservation.

Appendices attached to the report include examples for how Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit can be applied to the creation of an NMCA, as well as previous federal boundary proposals – including present oil and gas rights – and recent marine mammal science of animals found in Lancaster Sound.

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For further information, please contact:

Craig Welsh
Director of Communications
867-975-8416

dircomm@qia.ca