Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and President Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, alongside federal Cabinet ministers and the elected Inuit leadership from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivik Corporation, and the Nunatsiavut Government, endorsed the new, historic Inuit Nunangat Policy at a meeting of the ICPC. This marks the first time the Government of Canada has co-developed an overarching, whole-of-government policy of this nature.
The Inuit Nunangat Policy recognizes Inuit Nunangat – the Inuit homeland – as a distinct geographic, cultural, and political region, encompassing:
- Inuvialuit Settlement Region: Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Nunavik: Northern Québec
- Nunatsiavut: Northern Labrador
The policy is inclusive of urban areas where Inuit reside. It will help guide the design, development, and delivery of all new or renewed federal policies, programs, services, and initiatives that apply in Inuit Nunangat or benefit Inuit.
With the goal of promoting prosperity and supporting community and individual well-being throughout Inuit Nunangat, the Government of Canada is committing a total of $25 million over five years for the implementation of the Inuit Nunangat Policy. This includes $20 million for projects to accelerate policy implementation in line with Inuit priorities. The Government of Canada and Inuit will continue to work together to implement the policy through a strategic, coordinated, and whole-of-government approach.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister, President Obed, and Committee members also discussed proposed Budget 2022 investments and linkages to ICPC priority areas, in particular a new investment of $845 million over seven years in housing support across Inuit Nunangat. Inuit leadership and ministers also endorsed several new priority areas of work, including international Inuit priorities, monitoring, evaluation, and learning as well as sovereignty, defence, and security.
Today’s endorsement of the Inuit Nunangat Policy is an important step toward supporting Inuit self-determination and ensuring meaningful, Inuit-led solutions to the distinct issues faced by Inuit. The Government of Canada will continue to work with Inuit leadership through the ICPC to build a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship and advance reconciliation based on affirmation of rights, respect, and partnership.
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1650556354784/1650556491509