Regional Inuit Associations

In Nunavut, there are three regions - the Kitikmeot, Kivalliq and Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin).  The Qikiqtaaluk region is the most populated.

The three regional representative organizations are connected to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the main organization on all issues, but the regional organizations are the direct program, service and Impact Benefit Agreement arms for Inuit beneficiaries in the communities. The regional

associations represent the social, economic and political interests of Inuit living in Nunavut, and deliver the on-the-ground local programs such as language, culture, youth, bereavement, training and employment interests for communities.  

Where Climate Talk Becomes Climate Action

In the case of climate change, the elected leaders, Board Directors and staff are at the frontline living and working with Elders, hunters, families and youth to witness and bring issues forward to the territorial and national Inuit organizations for action. At the local level, the regional Inuit associations support individuals and families through various social programs, but also work with a range of partners including Government of Nunavut, Federal government, researchers and businesses interested in projects in their respective communities. On projects that involve local land, water, wildlife, or other activities that are on Inuit-owned lands, or in Nunavut, the regional Inuit associations would become involved, through funding flowed through Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated through federal contributions, negotiated agreements or profits generated from Inuit-owned business through the development corporations.  

In many cases, where there are economic opportunities for Inuit in royalties, revenues, business opportunities or employment, the regional business development corporations - the "dev corps" (the for-profit economic development arm of the not-for-profit regional associations), the Inuit organizations will work to position themselves; work with hamlet councils; and sectoral leaders, to identify strategic businesses and investment opportunities to improve the lives of Inuit, and leverage the economic opportunities on Inuit-owned lands. This includes direct involvement in negotiations relating to Inuit Impact Benefit Agreements (IIBA), investment in renewable energy projects to reduce reliance in communities on fossil fuels, and small business spin-off development for Inuit, interested in pursuing services for larger projects.  

The following provides a profile of some of the unique investments - and people you might want to connect with - if you are interested in training and working in the climate change field!

Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA)

On climate change, QIA is on the frontline representing the interests of 13 communities from the North Baffin and South Baffin. The North Baffin has the 5 impacted communities of the Mary River

mining operation, along with the major environmental protections and use of lands and waters related to that major project. As well, the needs of Inuit, and the opportunities to improve the quality of life through business development, clean energy and other direct interests, is a key mandate for QIA, as well as their economic entity: Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corporation (QBDC), arm of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation).  

The QBDC is actively engaged in clean energy, SMART technologies and installations in communities in the Qikiqtaaluk. A new Inuit-owned energy corporation, NNC, has been established, with clean energy specialist and longtime Nunavut resident, Sheldon Nimchuk, as Acting Director. Sheldon has also recently completed the Indigenous Clean Energy Certification, bringing substantial knowledge, networks and strategic advice to very exciting projects underway and envisioned for the Qikiqtaaluk Region.  

If you're looking to see how you can be on the frontlines of climate action and projects in your community, contact Sheldon and his team!