Nunavut Tungavik Incorporated, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Canada agree to develop fisheries regulations for the Nunavut Settlement Area

IQALUIT, July 9, 2018 /CNW/ - To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Nunavut Agreement, the Government of Canada, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, and the Government of Nunavut have issued a joint statement on the development of fishery regulations for the Nunavut Settlement Area (NSA). The Joint Statement on the Development of Fishery Regulations for the Nunavut Settlement Area builds on the significant progress made in recent months to implement the Nunavut Agreement in all future regulation of the territory's fisheries under the Fisheries Act.

It will also seek to advance reconciliation efforts with Canada's Indigenous communities, and will create a modern set of regulatory tools to ensure the sustainability of fisheries in Nunavut.

The statement includes a commitment to consult with Inuit, Nunavummiut, and any Indigenous groups that harvest inside the NSA on proposed policies and regulations that will govern fisheries. Policies will be developed in consideration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and will ensure fisheries are managed to support the economic well-being of Inuit and the Nunavut economy in general.

Pre-publication of fisheries regulations for the Nunavut Settlement Area in Canada Gazette, Part I, is anticipated for 2019.

Quotes

"We look forward to continuing to work with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, and the Government of Nunavut to develop a clear set of regulations that will support a robust, sustainable fishing industry in the territory. We are committed to working with our co-management partners and northern communities to ensure these regulations rec-ognize and respect the rights of Inuit, and adhere to the principles of the Nunavut Agreement, a historic piece of legislation signed 25 years ago today."

- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"The development of the Nunavut fisheries regulations is crucial to the diversification of our Nunavut economy. I am pleased our partners recognize Inuit rights and interests in fisheries management. This is a significant endeavour in the continued development of Nunavut and the advancement of our social, cultural and economic well-being."

- Aluki Kotierk, President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

"We have been extremely pleased with the commitment of all parties to continue to build upon the significant progress that has been made in recent months to develop the policies that will support the implementation of the Nunavut Agreement in the future regulation of fisheries in the Nunavut Settlement Area under the Fisheries Act. We look forward to continuing in that spirit to working alongside Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, The Government of Nunavut and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to co-develop policies that recognize and respect the rights of Inuit, and the roles of Hunters and Trappers Organizations and Regional Wildlife Organizations, as set out in the Nunavut Agreement.

The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board's mission is to conserve wildlife (and wildlife habitat) for the long -term benefit of all Nunavut residents while fully respecting Inuit harvesting rights and priorities. With that mission statement as our guide we look forward to co-developing policies for the management of NSA fisheries that are consistent with the relevant wildlife management provisions of the Nunavut Agreement."

- Daniel Shewchuk, Chairperson, Nunavut Wildlife Management Board

"The Government of Nunavut is committed to cooperation to ensure responsible implementation of the Nunavut Fishery regulations. We thank our partners for their work on this important endeavour, and look forward to a strong, continued relationship in working to comply with all aspects of the Nunavut Agreement."

- Jeannie Ehaloak, Minister of Environment, Government of Nunavut

Quick Facts

• The Nunavut Agreement was signed on May 25, 1993, in Iqaluit, by representatives of the Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut (now Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.), the Government of Canada, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
• The Nunavut Agreement was the basis of the creation of the territory of Nunavut, with an elected government to serve the interests of all Nunavummiut.
• The Nunavut Agreement is the largest Indigenous land claim settlement in Canadian history.

Related Products

• Joint Statement on the Development of Fishery Regulations for the Nunavut Settlement Area

Associated Links

• Government of Nunavut: https://www.gov.nu.ca/
• Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.: http://www.tunngavik.com/
• Nunavut Wildlife Management Board: https://www.nwmb.com/en/

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Central & Arctic Region

For further information: Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, [e-mail]; Vincent Hughes, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, 613-992-3474, [e-mail], Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca