Arctic policy among priorities at Inuit and federal leaders meeting
Arctic policy was a key topic during a wide-ranging discussion between Inuit and federal leaders on Friday in Ottawa.
“Leaders acknowledged the collaboration that has taken place to ensure that an Arctic Foreign Policy reflects Inuit self-determination and positions Inuit as vital and active partners in the conduct of international relations in Inuit Nunangat,” Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, said in a statement.
The meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) was co-chaired by Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), and Canada’s Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree, and included representatives from Inuit organizations across Inuit Nunangat and several federal departments
“In this 8th year of our Inuit-Crown partnership, we continue to have purposeful, open discussions with Ministers of the Crown to address the real needs of Inuit in Canada,” Obed said. “I look forward to building on the progress we have made together to create a stronger Canada, one that respects and implements the rights of all Inuit.”
University development
Making the education system work better for Inuit youth was another key focus of the meeting.
Creating a federal policy on Inuit K-12 education that prioritizes Inuit culture and language was among the top priorities along with ongoing discussions on Inuit leadership’s work towards the creation of a university in the Inuit homeland area of northern Canada.
Inuit leaders see the eventual institution, designed and led by Inuit, as an important way to expand access to higher education close to home, so Inuit students don’t have travel to southern Canada for post-secondary education.
“From land claim implementation, to housing, to health care, Inuit are advocating for and driving solutions — and have been doing so for generations,” Anandasangaree said. “Our government is committed to being an engaged and trusted partner in this work.”
The committee also addressed the need to transform the Nutrition North Canada program to better serve Inuit communities, who have some of the highest rates of food insecurity in Canada.
Co-developing federal Indigenous health legislation to improve healthcare access and quality of care in the Arctic for Inuit communities was also tackled.
The forthcoming federal acknowledgment and apology for the government’s role in the slaughter of sled dogs in Nunavik during the 1950s and 1960s was also discussed.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Cabinet shuffle poses challenges for advancing Inuit priorities, ITK president says, CBC News
Finland: Truth and Reconciliation Commission should continue says Sami Parliament in Finland, Eye on the Arctic
Greenland: Greenland, Denmark initiate investigation into past relations, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Can cross-border cooperation help decolonize Sami-language education, Eye on the Arctic
Sweden: Sami in Sweden start work on structure of Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Eye on the Arctic
United States: U.S. Interior Secretary listens to Indian boarding school survivors on Alaska stop, Eye on the Arctic
