Latest news with #QikiqtaniInuitAssociation
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Private yachts can still travel through the Northwest Passage undetected
Inuit guardians are on the front lines of maintaining sovereignty over the Northwest Passage, but small yachts are still allowed to travel through Nunavut's waters undetected, experts told a conference in Iqaluit on June 26. Because Inuit monitoring teams don't have enforcement capabilities, any ships entering restricted waters in environmentally sensitive areas are simply referred to federal authorities, the Arctic Sovereignty and Security Summit heard. 'We observe and report because we don't have the power to observe a vessel unless Transport Canada comes in to do that kind of work, so we still have a gap there,' said Daniel Taukie, the Inuit Marine Monitoring Program coordinator at Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. The summit heard several accounts of Inuit spotting vessels they didn't recognize, and asked experts where these ships were coming from. Unidentified vessels being spotted by local residents are likely private yachts that have turned off their tracking beacon, called an automated identification system (AIS). 'It's not mandatory for the smaller vessels to have AIS, but many have it due to safety reasons,' Steven Lonsdale, senior program manager at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, told the audience. 'If we want to change that, we need to change the regulations.' Lonsdale said he's advocated for mandatory AIS on all ships in the Northwest Passage in the past, but that's still not a reality. However, the federal government will require all vessels to have permits before entering some marine conservation areas in the near future, Lonsdale said. Most of the pleasure craft are going to Eastern Baffin Island, and the High Arctic generally, to observe the mountains and lakes, according to Taukie. Both Taukie and Lonsdale praised Transport Canada and Parks Canada as productive partners in monitoring the Northwest Passage. Lonsdale explained how Inuit guardians, or Nauttiqsuqtiit, are using traditional knowledge and modern science to facilitate enhanced maritime situational awareness for Transport Canada. Nauttiqsuqtiit have learned the skills to survive in the wilderness, where they can use digital mapping software. 'They can create a digital fence anywhere, and if a ship is to cross that digital fence, they receive an alert on their cellphone as a text or an email,' Lonsdale said. Nunavummiut communities and Transport Canada then receive updates from the Nauttiqsuqtiit on where vessels are heading. The software only works, however, if the ships have their AIS system turned on. That remains a legal requirement for all maritime transport, apart from small pleasure craft, Taukie and Lonsdale explained. The cooperation between the federal government and Inuit peoples on monitoring the Northwest Passage and remaining stewards of the land is vital, said Suzanne Lalonde, professor of international law at the University of Montreal. Canada's claim over the Northwest Passage as internal waters — as opposed to an international shipping route — remains an open debate on the global stage. 'I'm worried that Canada's legal position, which is based on, founded on Inuit use and stewardship, might be tested,' Lalonde said. The most likely challenge against Canadian and Inuit sovereignty over the Northwest Passage is likely to come from the U.S., according to Lalonde. Sightings of unknown vessels in open or restricted waters cause concern among Nunavummiut communities, Jeannie Ehaloak, a former mayor of Cambridge Bay, told the summit. 'There was one summer where there was a big silver yacht or a ship that came into Cambridge Bay, and it just sat there, nobody came off, nobody got on,' Ehaloak said. 'Why were they there? Do we know who they are? Do we know what they're doing here?' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Nunavut premier prioritizes family in decision not to seek re-election in fall
In a 'family-first' decision, Nunavut's Premier Pauloosie Jamesie (P.J.) Akeeagok will step away from politics during the upcoming fall election. The premier made the surprise announcement on his official government page July 8, one day before the territory celebrates the 32 year of Nunavut Day. 'I am stepping away because this is the right moment to spend more time with my young family—time that public life often demands we set aside,' Akeeagok said in his detailed post addressed to the people of Nunavut. Born in Grise Fiord, Akeeagok attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut and then studied political science and Indigenous Studies at the University of Ottawa, where he met his wife Parniga. Prior to entering the political arena, he was the two-term president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the organization that represents the rights and benefits of Qikiqtani Inuit. He also held senior roles at Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. At 36-years-old, he was elected as MLA in October, 2021 to represent the riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu. In November, he was subsequently chosen to represent the territory as its sixth premier by the newly-elected MLAs in the consensus-style government. Achieving goals Akeeagok cited numerous accomplishments in his nearly four years at the helm of Canada's newest territory. When first elected, Akeeagok highlighted a magnitude of issues faced by the territory. He said the territory was in crisis and youth were crying out to be heard. He said solutions were needed for mental health and addictions issues, elder care at home, food insecurity, and affordable childcare. He called for partnerships with other governments to help build much needed housing in the territory. He also highlighted the fisheries industry as an alternative economic opportunity for communities not benefitting from the mining industry or government jobs. In his address, he said negotiating the historic devolution agreement, the national early childhood agreement, the renewal of the Nunavut Agreement implementation contract, and the launch of Nunavut 3000 were among the achievements he felt stood out during his political term. Confidence retained It wasn't always a smooth journey for Akeeagok, however, as he navigated through governing the vast territory. Dissent began growing within the legislature, with workplace culture, staff changes and transparency becoming issues of contention. In 2024, Solomon Malliki, the MLA for Aivilik, became critical of Akeeagok's leadership style for its lack of transparency and a growing 'toxic environment', and put forth a vote of non-confidence. A resulting narrow vote of 10-8 kept Akeeagok in his premier's seat however, and he responded by calling the motion a 'sledgehammer' approach to the allegations. Akeeagok said he anticipates future projects that 'reinforce Canadian sovereignty' and respond to urgent community needs will help build a strong territory and will 'form the backbone of a stronger, more resilient Arctic rooted in Inuit values', leading to a true partnership with Canada. Akeeagok emphasized the reason for his departure from politics in his address, and gave no indication in his message of where the future may lead him. 'I remain deeply committed to public service and to the future of this territory, and I look forward to continuing that service in new and meaningful ways, wherever that path may lead.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CBC
08-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Nunavut premier announces he isn't seeking re-election
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says he will not seek re-election when his term comes to a close in the fall. Akeeagok wrote on Facebook Tuesday morning that he is "humbled every day by the trust Nunavummiut" placed in him and is, "deeply proud of what we've achieved together." Akeeagok, who represents the riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, wrote that he decided not seek re-election so that he can spend more time with his family. "Time that public life often demands we set aside," he wrote. He highlighted some of the accomplishments that stood out over his term, including the devolution agreement, the national early childhood education agreement and the launch of Nunavut 3,000 — a plan to build 3,000 homes across the territory. Akeeagok also highlighted the "trying times" they have faced in the past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the water crisis. "To the municipal leaders and front-line workers who showed resilience and leadership during those moments, your efforts were the backbone of our response." Akeeagok thanked his family and friends for supporting him over his term. Akeeagok, who grew up in Grise Fiord, was voted in as premier by his fellow MLAs in 2021 as part of the territory's consensus government. He won the riding of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu in 2021 with 84 per cent of the vote, according to his profile. He was previously the president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. He survived a non-confidence vote in the Legislative Assembly in November 2024, with 10 MLAs voting to keep him as premier and another eight voting to remove him. The Nunavut election will be held on Oct. 27.
CBC
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
8 mushers cross the finish line at the Nunavut Quest
Eight mushers competing in the Nunavut Quest crossed the finish line in Igloolik on Wednesday. The Nunavut Quest, also known as Pangaggujjiniq, is a dog sled race from Pond Inlet to Igloolik that takes place each spring. This year, competitors took eight days to complete the 500-kilometre journey. The participants in this year's race were Donovan Qaunaq, Tom Naqitarvik, Isaac Irngaut, Joshua Qiliqi Ivalu, Jinneal Nanuraq Uttak, Lee Inuarak, Daniel Inuarak and Aiden Qaunaq. Lew Phillip, one of the spectators, travelled from Iqaluit to Igloolik to see the dog teams cross the finish line. "The whole trip was all whiteout everyday while travelling…. Some areas also have a lot of deep snow," Phillip said. Whiteout conditions forced mushers to stay at camp and rest on Sunday and Monday, but they were met with clear skies in Igloolik when they arrived at the finish. Jinneal Nanuraq Uttak crossed the finish line first, but the official results still need to be verified. The winner will be announced on Friday night at the closing ceremonies, which will also include games and a hukki, or square dance competition. Shanshan Tian has been the timekeeper for the race for the past three years. She's responsible for determining the final results. "I'm gonna have to do some time crunching and adding bonus times and penalty times, but yeah, it was an incredible race. Everyone raced incredibly well." The winner will take home $20,000 in prize money. There is also a $15,000 prize for second place, and $10,000 for third. The Qikiqtani Inuit Association provides the prize money using funding from the Qikiqtani Truth Commission. Tian says the race is about so much more than taking home the prize money. The Nunavut Quest is unique, she says, because it brings together generations of people. "In the end it really is just a time for people to be together and to be on the land, to share stories, to heal, to be with one another, friends and family from different communities," Tian said.
CBC
15-04-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Nunavut Quest competitors set off from Pond Inlet
Eight mushers started the Nunavut Quest dog sled race on Tuesday – a journey from Pond Inlet to Igloolik that's expected to take them each a week to complete. The Qikiqtani Inuit Association uses revitalization funding from the Qikiqtani Truth Commission for the prize money for all eight mushers: this year the top prizes are $20,000 for the first place winner, $15,000 for second and $10,000 for third. The participants this year are Donovan Qaunaq, Tom Naqitarvik, Isaac Irngaut, Joshua Qiliqi Ivalu, Jinneal Nanuraq Uttak, Lee Inuarak, Daniel Inuarak and Aiden Qaunaq. The race got underway at 1:30 p.m. Quvvaqtaaq Inuarak is an elder helping out with the race this year. He'll be guiding mushers from a snowmobile – a job he says is important.
