Iqaluit, Nunavut, April 25, 2023 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is excited to announce upcoming Qikiqtani Makimajjutissat community engagement sessions. The QIA Board of Directors passed a resolution in January of 2023 to proceed with the Planning Phase of the Arctic Project Finance for Permanence in the Qikiqtani Region.
This is a proposal to negotiate a new, bold regional approach to conservation that would also encompass community development, Inuit-led conservation in governance, infrastructure, Nauttiqsuqtiit, food sovereignty, fisheries reconciliation, and self-determination for all Qikiqtani communities.
Qikiqtani Makimajjutissat will engage Inuit on how to enhance existing and support new conservation and community development projects in Qikiqtani Region by securing funding in perpetuity through investments made by philanthropic donors and the federal government. Over the course of the next year, QIA and our partner Oceans North will host two engagement sessions in each Qikiqtani community to seek input through Qikiqtani Makimajjutissat. These community consultations will focus on the following topics: 1. Conservation and Inuit led stewardship 2. Inuit self-determination and governance 3. Fisheries reconciliation 4. Places of significance for Qikiqtani Inuit 5. Infrastructure and community wellness needs QIA will conduct it’s community visit in Sanikiluaq from May 1 – May 4th, 2023 at the community hall. Additional visits are being planned for all 13 communities, and dates will be posted once they’ve been confirmed.
If you would like more information, email us at makimajjutissat@qia.ca, visit our website at www.qia.ca/makimajjutissat or contact your local CLO for more information. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you at the engagement.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Karen Flaherty Director, Strategic Communications Qikiqtani Inuit Association (P) 867.975.8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742
kflaherty@qia.ca