Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Government of Canada, the Aajuraq Conservation Fund Society,
and Philanthropic Partners Celebrate the Start of SINAA Implementation
Iqaluit, Nunavut – November 13, 2025 — The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), joined by Inuit from
across the region, representatives from the Government of Canada, the Aajuraq Conservation Fund
Society (Aajuraq) and philanthropic partners, including The Pew Charitable Trusts (Pew), celebrate the
official launch of SINAA’s implementation phase.
SINAA is one of the largest Indigenous-led marine conservation initiatives in the world. Guided by Inuit
leadership, SINAA exemplifies how public, private, and Indigenous partnerships can create durable,
community-driven solutions for nature and people.
The SINAA Agreement, one of three recently established Project Finance for Permanence (PFP)
agreements in Canada, was signed and announced in February 2025 by the Government of Canada, QIA,
Pew, and Aajuraq.
The PFP model is an innovative sustainable finance approach that brings together Indigenous
organizations, governments, and philanthropic organizations to co-develop shared goals and secure longterm funding for measurable conservation and community outcomes.
Through SINAA, the Government of Canada has invested $200 million, with philanthropic funders
pledging an additional $70 million. These funds will be managed by Aajuraq Conservation Fund Society,
an independent, Canadian conservation trust fund that ensures stable, long-term financing for Inuit-led
conservation and community well-being initiatives across the Qikiqtani region. Aajuraq will disburse
funds to QIA in alignment with the SINAA’s conservation and financial plans.
“Today marks the next step in turning commitments into action,” said Olayuk Akesuk, President of QIA.
“SINAA is about more than agreements on paper — it is about Inuit leading conservation, creating jobs,
protecting our lands and waters, and building a conservation economy for future generations.”
Over the next ten years, implementation of SINAA is expected to deliver:
• Durable conservation of new marine and terrestrial conservation areas, which will significantly
contribute to Canada’s goal of protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030.
• Enhanced management and protection of marine and terrestrial conservation areas.
• Inuit-led governance and stewardship of up to 12.28% of Canada’s oceans, which represents
almost 40% of Canada’s 2030 marine objective and 0.92% of the terrestrial goals. This total
includes up to 3.68 % in new marine protected and conserved areas in addition to 8.6% in
existing protections.
• Expanded Inuit conservation leadership through Nauttiqsuqtiit programs in Qikiqtani
communities.
• New community infrastructure, including Nauttiqsuqtiit Centres and investments in training and
equipment.
• Strengthened Inuit-led regional governance to ensure Inuit partners can implement an
integrated vision for conservation that takes into consideration local and regional perspectives
along with Inuit knowledge.
“The Government of Canada is proud to stand alongside the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and our partners
as SINAA transitions from planning to implementation. This is conservation done right: Inuit-led,
community-driven, and designed for lasting impact. Together, we are protecting land and waters while
supporting livelihoods throughout the Qikiqtani region, benefiting people, nature, and a resilient local
economy.”
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“It’s inspiring to see the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and their partners bringing this important work
conservation and stewardship to life. SINAA reflects the power of collaboration and the depth of Inuit
leadership in protecting lands and waters through novel approaches. I am honoured to witness this
milestone and to see how these partnerships are shaping a sustainable and thriving future that supports
the people and communities of the Qikiqtani region.”
The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
“Pew is honored to work with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to support people and nature in the
Arctic—a sentiment shared by the many Canadian and international philanthropic partners who join us
in celebrating this historic agreement. With Inuit leadership at the heart of SINAA, the sustainable
financing behind this ambitious initiative will help deliver large-scale conservation and durable, tangible
benefits for Qikiqtani Inuit in this extraordinary region.”
Tom Dillon, Senior Vice President for Environment and Crosscutting Initiatives at The Pew Charitable
Trusts
Contacts
Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
(P) 867.975.8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742
kflaherty@qia.ca
Ira Khedkar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Fisheries
Ira.Khedkar@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.c
https://www.qia.ca/qia-and-the-government-of-canada-sign-the-sinaa-agreement-today/
