The federal government and Inuit leaders signed a long-awaited implementation contract under the Nunavut Agreement on March 8 — the first time the contract has been renewed since the agreement was signed more than 30 years ago.

The deal includes $1.5 billion to be paid out over the next decade plus an immediate, ongoing commitment of $77.6 million annually.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Jeremy Tunraluk, and Premier P.J. Akeeagok made the announcement at Nunavut Sivuniksavut, an Ottawa college for Inuit students.

Inuit Tapiirit Kanatami president Natan Obed was the master of ceremonies.

Today is a celebration. We’re celebrating a significant moment in time today in Inuit self-determination, partnership with the Crown and the implementation of nation building.

The funding will support NTI, the Government of Nunavut, the Nunavut Planning Commission, Nunavut Impact Review Board, Nunavut Water Board, Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal, and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board.

The agreement includes $50 million for the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre, a long-awaited initiative to house and protect Nunavut’s archeological and cultural records. Last June, Iqaluit city council heard organizers are considering a possible site for the centre near the Upper Plateau neighbourhood.

This agreement is the pathway to the social, cultural, and economic well-being of Inuit. It nearly triples the funding for regional wildlife and hunters and trappers organizations,

Tunraluk said, calling the organizations

Renewing the implementation contract after 10 years will involve all sides reviewing the existing deal, updating issues such as funding amounts and recipients, and committing to the new terms, Anandasangaree said.

The Nunavut Agreement, signed in 1993, led to the creation of the territory in 1999, but its full implementation has faced challenges.

NTI sued the federal government in 2006 for failing to implement key parts of the agreement, leading to a settlement in 2015. Under the settlement’s terms, NTI received $255.5 million in compensation from the federal government.

On Saturday, Anandasangaree said the new funding ensures a long-overdue commitment is met.

More than $600 million will go toward Inuit employment and training, addressing a major gap in the public service. A recent labour force study cited by Tunraluk found more than 10,000 Inuit — 89 per cent of them youth — are interested in working in government.

You will see Inuit move into government employment in large numbers in the coming years. This is the most significant commitment ever made for training in government positions.

Saturday’s deal is expected to complement the 2024 Devolution Agreement between the federal and territorial governments and NTI, which transferred greater decision-making power and authority over its Crown lands to the territory.

Akeeagok said the two agreements work in parallel, with the devolution deal bringing decision-making home while the implementation contract ensures promises of the Nunavut Agreement are finally put into action.

This is about making decisions about Inuit by Inuit, Anandasangaree said. - The role of the federal government is to support you, not to replace your voice.

Akeeagok said the focus must now shift to action in order to see the “true benefits” of the Nunavut Agreement.

I really hope that 10 years down, we’re not back to where we were — where there are disagreements, where there’s no big recognition that it’s important, he said.

Anandasangaree acknowledged that while the contract marks a significant milestone, it will be reassessed upon renewal in 10 years. He emphasized that the $77.6 million in annual funding is ongoing, but future negotiations and co-development will be necessary to address areas of increased need.

The signing of the implementation contract occurs amid significant political transitions in Canada. On Sunday, the Liberal party  elected a new leader who will also take over as prime minister after Justin Trudeau’s resignation.

Also, a federal election must be held no later than October 20.

For now, the northern leaders say the focus must be on implementation of the Nunavut Agreement.

Today is the beginning of the contract period that has the potential to change the country for the better, said Tunraluk.

Tomorrow, let us focus all of our attention on the implementation, so we can realize the promises made to Inuit by Canada through the Nunavut Agreement more than 30 years ago.

Source: Nunatsiaq News

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