QIA starts implementation of $270M conservation agreement
Inuit organization, partners hold event celebrating Sinaa agreement in Iqaluit
Nathalie Provost, left, secretary of state for nature, receives a carving from Qikiqtani Inuit Association president Olayuk Akesuk at an event marking the launch of the Sinaa conservation agreement Thursday in Iqaluit. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Qikiqtani Inuit Association is starting the implementation of the Sinaa conservation agreement, a $270-million deal to protect 30 per cent of Canada’s land and ocean environments by 2030.
Sinaa, which means floe edge in Inuktitut, was announced in February by then-prime minister Justin Trudeau and QIA president Olayuk Akesuk.
However, it’s been close to three years in the making, Akesuk said Thursday at an event in Iqaluit marking its launch.
“It is a big accomplishment for our organization, something we’ve been working on since 2022,” he said in an interview.
“It’s very significant for this region that will impact every community of Qikiqtani.”
Within Sinaa’s 10-year plan are commitments to protect and expand conservation areas, strengthen Inuit-led governance, and fund training and equipment.
The federal government will cover $200 million of the cost. The remaining $70 million is to be paid for by donors, according to QIA.
QIA’s partners in the agreement, including representatives from the federal government, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Aajuraq Conservation Fund Society and Pew Charitable Trusts, were on hand for Thursday’s event.
Nathalie Provost, the federal secretary of state for nature, noted the Sinaa agreement will protect 706,000 square kilometres of land — roughly the size of Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia combined.
“None of this would be possible without the Qikiqtani Inuit Association,” she said.
“Great things can be accomplished when we recognize the vision, expertise and leadership.”
James T. Arreak, speaking on behalf of Aajuraq, called the agreement “reconciliation in action.”
For Akesuk and QIA, the next steps include working with communities on implementation.
“The next is implementing it, working to make sure that we represent each and every one of the [communities] to ensure that the money that is here will benefit them for the next 10, 15 years,” he said.
“A lot of work has to be done now in order for us to succeed and to promote what we negotiated.”
While the Federal National Building projects fill the airways with Iqaluit glee.
Another announcement by the Feds, QIA and PEW for a 30 by 30 conservation land/sea agreement, sends worry shivers up the spine.
Pew Charitable Trusts, founded with Sun Oil fortunes, has an endowment of around $6 billion.
Promoting around the world to local and national governments the joys of 30 by 30 conservation areas, a core component of the UN’s Agenda 2030 biodiversity plan.
Trust QIA will be transparent and let the public know if PEW drafted the language in the Sinaa conservation agreement?
This area will have, being a conservation area, no oil and gas development, no mining, no industrial fishing, no community development and possible restrictions to human access?
Indigenous hunting rights can now be overridden. Or is there a clause in the agreement saying they cannot? Who gets the medicinal benefits ($$$) found on land and water?
Are we looking at long-term poverty under “green colonialism” for a massive land mass in Nunavut to be locked away?
Put the complete agreement online and let’s read it.
Where is the economic benefit to the territory ? Tourism i suppose. 100 inuit will be employed to protect the lands and waters nice. No more territorial control but back to working under federal control. Why is the Terrotorial government excluded in this?