Inuit Leadership are United in Welcoming Prime Minister to Nunavut

March 18, 2025

(March 18, 2025 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Inuit leadership met with Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Mark Carney, in Iqaluit earlier today.

United in their message, the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Board of Directors and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) President Natan Obed were clear in their advocacy with the Prime Minister. As geopolitical interests focus on the Arctic region, Inuit leaders are calling for strengthened partnership between Inuit and the Crown.

Key points highlighted during the meeting:

• NTI President, Jeremy Tunraluk underscored that investing in Inuit communities and Inuit well-being is investing in Canadian sovereignty. He advocated for affordability measures, including the long-term sustainability of the Inuit Child First Initiative (ICFI)

• ITK President, Natan Obed emphasized unity among Inuit in Canada, and the importance of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) as a driver for Canada to work with Inuit towards self-determination and ultimately Canadian sovereignty

• Qikiqtani Inuit Association President, Olayuk Akesuk discussed the SINAA Agreement and the importance of conservation efforts that resonate with Inuit values and sustainability. He highlighted that this government spending will unlock massive benefits for Inuit.

• Kivalliq Inuit Association President, Kono Tattuinee placed emphasis on the Kivalliq Hydro Fibre Link project, which aims to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in the region, fostering growth and opportunities. He also raised the Sakku Innovative Buildings (SIBS) modular homes factory in Arviat and the importance of supporting local industry

• Kitikmeot Inuit Association Acting President, James Eetoolook highlighted the Grays Bay Road and Port Project as a critical development for economic advancement and resource management in the Kitikmeot region while balancing development with the need for more conservation areas, both land and marine based, within the region

Nunavut Inuit historical and continuous use and occupancy of lands has provided the strongest support for Canada’s sovereignty claim in Arctic lands and waters. The Nunavut Agreement explicitly recognizes “the contribution of Inuit to Canada’s history, identity and sovereignty”.

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Media Contacts:
Ivaluarjuk Merritt
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
media@tunngavik.com

Patricia D’Souza
Director of Communications
media@itk.ca
613-292-4482

Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
kflaherty@qia.ca
867-975-8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742

Gabriel Karlik
Kivalliq Inuit Association
gkarlik@kivalliqinuit.ca
867-645-5768

James Kaylor
Manager of Communications
Kitikmeot Inuit Association
JKaylor@kitia.ca
867-983-5340

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