Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Nunavut gov’t form working group for Arctic sovereignty strategy

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Nunavut government have announced a working group to develop a strategy for Arctic sovereignty and security.

In a joint news release Tuesday morning, they described the effort as “made-in-Nunavut” and a response to world events that have recently put the spotlight on the Arctic.

“Nunavut stands together with other territories and provinces in opposing any threats to Canada’s sovereignty and security,” said Premier P.J. Akeeagok in the release.

“We know what’s at stake for the Canadian Arctic and Inuit Nunangat, and we know that Nunavut needs to be united and strategic to respond to the challenges before us.”

There is no timeline yet for when the strategy will be released or when work will officially begin on it.

The two groups also called for the federal government to step up its investments in the Arctic and back critical Inuit-led projects, though they did not specify which projects.

“Investments in infrastructure, food sovereignty, Inuktut and higher education and the formalization of the Canadian Rangers will greatly enhance the security and well-being of the Arctic region,” said NTI president Jeremy Tunraluk in the news release.

Given Nunavut is reliant on the south for lumber, steel, fuel and other materials, the two groups said federal infrastructure investments in the territory would have a positive economic impact across the country.

With files from Matisse Harvey/Radio-Canada

Related stories from around the North: 

Canada: Poilievre promises new military base in Nunavut as part of Arctic defence plan, CBC News 

Denmark: Denmark pivots new ship plans from Baltic to Arctic defence, Eye on the Arctic

Finland: Finland, Denmark aim to bolster defence cooperation, ministers say, Yle news

Greenland: US interest boosts Greenland’s independence bid in talks with Denmark, party says, Reuters