ABOUT US

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is aimed at representing the interests of the Inuit of the Baffin Region, High Arctic and Belcher Islands in a fair and democratic way.

QIA was formed as a non-profit land claim and community organization in 1996 and registered as a society in 1997. Its predecessor, Baffin Regional Inuit Association (BRIA), was formed in 1975 and registered as a society in 1977.

QIA is one of the three Inuit organizations affiliated with the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI). The Board of Directors of NTI is drawn from three Regional Inuit Associations accountable to Inuit Beneficiaries. QIA does not take the roles of the federal or territorial government, but works with them and other partners to ensure that Inuit are being adequately served by these governments.

Now that the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement is in force, QIA has taken on new responsibilities and executes its mandate through its community directors and staff in Iqaluit and Igloolik. The majority of QIA's funding comes from the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. It is also funded by Heritage Canada to a limited degree. QIA has been successful in obtaining other funding on a project basis from various organizations and government agencies.

There are two organizations operating under the QIA umbrella. These are: Kakivak Association (KA), responsible for Community Economic Development and Small Business; and Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, the Development Corporation of QIA.

Qikiqtaaluk Corporation was established in 1987 to manage economic development on behalf of QIA. QC is involved in offshore shrimp and turbot fishing, airport management, DEW Line Cleanups, environmental services, mineral development activities, helicopter operations, heavy equipment sales and services, petroleum distribution and real estate construction management activities.

Kakivak Association is QIA's Community Economic Development Organization and Small Business Arm. Its mandate is to help Inuit in the Baffin Region own and develop their own businesses. KA also provides training contributions and sponsorships to individuals, organizations and businesses.