Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee Meets in Nunavik for the First Time

[/caption]The Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) held its annual meeting in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, marking the first time this table has met in the region since its inception. The meeting was co-chaired by Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed.

Partnering with Inuit is essential to building a stronger Canada,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney. “Together, we are advancing shared priorities to improve the quality of life for Inuit, strengthen the Canadian Arctic, and ensure that Inuit leadership helps build a bright future in the North.

The meeting was also attended by Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, members of the federal Cabinet, and elected Inuit leaders from the Nunatsiavut Government, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and Makivvik Corporation. Canada’s Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, Virginia Mearns, was also in attendance.

Discussions focused primarily on Arctic sovereignty, security, and defense, the cost of living, food security, and housing within Inuit Nunangat—the Inuit homeland, which encompasses approximately 40% of Canada’s landmass.

Key Topics and Commitments:

• Infrastructure and Major Projects: The federal government highlighted a comprehensive plan of over $40 billion aimed at defending, developing, and transforming the North and Arctic regions. Through the Major Projects Delivery Office, infrastructure projects such as the Grays Bay Road and Port and the Mackenzie Valley Highway project are being targeted. The ICPC was presented as a model to foster dual-use infrastructure.
• Social Programs and Education: Leaders also discussed a successor program framework for the “Inuit Child First Initiative.” Discussions took place regarding the governance and accreditation of the Inuit Nunangat University, as well as reforming the Nutrition North Canada program and implementing the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy.
• Decision-Making: President Natan Obed reiterated the necessity of integrating Inuit knowledge and priorities into long-term strategic planning for the region.

Inuit remain committed to working with government to develop our country and build the Arctic we both aspire to see, explained Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

[/caption]Established in 2017, the ICPC meets three times a year under the leadership of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, with the Prime Minister co-chairing one of these sessions annually. The previous leaders’ meeting was held in Ottawa in November 2025.

A future expanded meeting, including provincial and territorial premiers alongside Inuit leaders, is scheduled for Fall 2026 to continue working on these priorities.

• Related stories from around the North: 

  Canada: Federal budget delivers $1B Arctic Infrastructure Fund, though future of some social programs unclear, CBC News

  United States: Senators, including Alaska’s, sound alarm on cuts impacting Indigenous health care agency, Eye on the Arctic