The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is a very important organization in Nunavut. Representing over 15,000 Inuit across 13 communities in the Qikiqtani region, they serve an advocacy and administrative role in protecting, advancing and promoting the rights of Inuit.
Community Consultations - Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area
I had the pleasure of travelling with a team from QIA to five Nunavut communities (Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet and Clyde River) that are directly affected by the creation of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (TINMCA), the largest protected conservation area in Canada at 108,000 square kilometres. The purpose of our travel was to engage with community members by sharing information and holding Inuit Impact and Benefit consultations related to the TINMCA. Sandra Inutqi, QIA’s Chief Negotiator on the Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, hosted meetings in the communities to garner feedback and input on the development of the agreement.
In addition to the consultations, QIA also brought along performing artists from Qaggiavuut. Natasha Allakariallak and Jerry Laisa performed for audiences and led children’s workshops in each community.
Personally, it was such a great experience to be a small part of this process. Meeting and interviewing elders, hunters, youth and many other people was truly interesting and enjoyable. Check out the following videos to see some highlights from our travels:
Grise Fiord (Canada’s most northern community)
Pond Inlet (some surreal colours visible after months of darkness)
More information and video available from QIA -
Several years of research, planning, community consultations, negotiation and advocacy work related to the creation of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area, culminated with the announcement on August 1, 2019 that the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) was signed. I was there to document this historic moment, including Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit to Nunavut, juggling both video and photography.
The agreement details how the IIBA can evolve to include Tuvaijuittuq should it be permanently protected. In addition, through other federal programs, the Government of Canada will be investing in infrastructure, harbours and a training centre in support of the five communities involved - Arctic Bay, Clyde River, Grise Fiord, Pond Inlet and Resolute Bay.
Go to QIA’s website to see the full details of the agreement and see some of my photos and video (www.qia.ca).
Community-based Monitoring Program
One of QIA’s initiatives includes the hiring of environmental/wildlife monitors who will compile data on physical and behavioural observations related to harvested animals. The monitors will track the distribution and population of wildlife that people depend on for food and input the data into a Geographic Information System to produce monthly mapping and reporting for the benefit of community members. The database of information can then be utilized to inform Inuit decision-making related to policy, advocacy and management of issues that affect Inuit rights.
I visited Pond Inlet, a spectacular Nunavut community, to document the work of three young hunters that are part of the community-based monitoring program. We spent a day seal hunting with Jonas, Don and Thiffany, and while we had no luck, it was great to be with them on the water and to visit Pond Inlet.