A project to expand community-driven science and lay the groundwork for a protected conservation area on the Belcher Islands has won $5.5 million from the Canadian Nature Challenge Fund. 

The grant will fund a multi-purpose research facility and community-driven stewardship and monitoring program that would employ local Inuit and Cree, according to a news release. It is the latest step towards establishing “Qikiqtait” —  a community-driven protected area covering 33,000 square kilometres. 

Partners in this project include the Municipality of Sanikiluaq, the Sanikiluaq Hunters and Trappers Association, the Arctic Eider Society and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. 

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