Inuit Stewardship, Research, Monitoring and Business Opportunities

The inherent connection of Inuit to the land, ice, animals and weather has been intrinsic since time immemorial. With the rapidly changing conditions, scientists, governments, environmental advocacy groups and Inuit representative organizations have had to come together to gather data, research and joint plans to understand the rapid complex changes happening in the Arctic. Various tools such as legislation and rights-based social and economic agreements, provides substantial opportunities for Inuit youth and community members to participate in climate change-related mitigation or adaptation activities.

Study and Work Opportunities

From the Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA) negotiated between the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and the Government of Canada, and announced in August 2019 in Iqaluit, Nunavut, QIA will manage over $64 million in funding to support Inuit participation in Lancaster Sound protection activities over the next 9 years. Nunavut youth and adults with an interest in future education and employment can prepare for positions in the following fields:

Inuit Stewardship Program

With federal government funding, QIA will develop an Inuit Stewardship Program for Inuit as employees, contractors or contracted business. The Inuit Stewards may participate in a variety of activities such as training, community engagements and potential engagement with the management Board. QIA will explore with the responsible government departments or agencies where appropriate, and other potential partners, opportunities for Inuit Stewards to be involved in the following:

environmental and other research and monitoring;
collection of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit;
data management;
knowledge exchanges, training and skills development;
patrols;
search and rescue;
youth engagement, skills development and mentoring;
tool, equipment making and cabin construction and maintenance;
visitor reception;
cultural interpretation;
Inuit cultural practices such as harvesting and other rights-based activities; and
development to be designated as enforcement officers where feasible in accordance with relevant federal statutes.

Through the Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement, various training and employment opportunities will be available under the following streams:

On the Land Program
Cooperative Management Board Membership
Hunter Trapper Organization (HTO) Capacity
Inuit Research and Monitoring
Exploring Commercial Fisheries

to support the marine protection area.

INUIT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

In support of the Tallurutiup Imanga Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement, Inuit will have opportunities for training to support the range of roles above.

Supporting Inuit success, and to bring forward the technical competencies and taking into account Inuit culture and lifestyle, supporting the design and delivery of training is another for future employment.

Working in Human Resources and training and development, you can help design and deliver training for Inuit that include the following elements:

providing mentoring programs,
providing instruction in Inuktut,
address any mobility constraints or preferences of the employee for the location of the training to be in the Nunavut Settlement Area,
coordinates covering tuition or course fees for Inuit staff taking part-time post-secondary courses necessary to progress into positions identified on their training and career plan that have educational requirements they do not possess, and
providing time during working hours for study and course work.

For more information, contact the Qikiqtani Inuit Association in Iqaluit, Nunavut.