Inuit-Crown relationship has shifted in past 10 years, panelists say

The relationship between Inuit and the Government of Canada has shifted greatly over the past decade, five leaders from Inuit organizations and governments said Wednesday in Ottawa.

Makivvik Corp. president Pita Aatami, Nunavut Tunnagvik Inc. CEO Kilikvak Kabloona, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami legal affairs director William David, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs deputy minister Valerie Gideon and Nunatsiavut Government deputy minister Isabella Pain spoke of how unity across the four Inuit regions, shared priorities between governments and the establishment of Inuit-led policies are contributing to that positive transformation.

The five were participating in a panel discussion at the Aqsarniit Trade Show and Conference being held this week at the Rogers Centre.

Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, served as moderator.

“Over the past 10 years, specifically with Inuit, there’s been a push towards unity at the national level, which takes a fair amount of courage to balance regional priorities as well as national priorities,” said David, with ITK, the national organization representing Inuit in Canada.

“Similarly, from the federal government there’s been a lot of courage in terms of working with Inuit nationally as well as Inuit treaty organizations bilaterally to both identify and then mobilize community priorities in a way that’s not divisive.”

Aatami spoke about the importance of taking a different approach to funding from the federal government, especially for Inuit who face a higher cost of living in the North.

“I’ve always made it clear to governments that whatever happens in the North, the economy also benefits the southern economy because everything is produced from the south,” he said.

“I’m hoping this will continue whatever government comes into power, whether it’s the Liberals or the Conservatives.”

Aatami noted that with the Liberal government, Inuit have been part of discussions and decision-making for themselves for what should happen.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced earlier this month a new directive to integrate the Inuit Nunangat Policy into federal decision-making.

Kabloona, with NTI, said she hopes the directive will provide additional guidance for the federal government and there will be more consistency in the application of the policy.

The trade show, which opened Monday, runs until Thursday.