Participatory land use planning based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ)

In 2016, the Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) published the latest draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (DNLUP) for the Nunavut Settlement Area, about 2.1 million km2 plus extensive marine waters. Inuit compose over 80% of 36,000... [ view full abstract ]

In 2016, the Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) published the latest draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (DNLUP) for the Nunavut Settlement Area, about 2.1 million km2 plus extensive marine waters. Inuit compose over 80% of 36,000 residents, living in 25 municipalities in three regions. Qikiqtaaluk (aka Qikiqtani) is the largest region with 13 municipalities. The level of protection proposed under the 2016 DNLUP showed striking differences among the regions. According to the Government of Nunavut, the DNLUP proposed to prohibit mineral exploration and development across 31% of Kitikmeot's lands, 26% of Kivalliq's, but only 8% of Qikiqtaaluk's. No caribou calving areas in Qikiqtaaluk region were identified for protection. In March 2017, NPC held its final public hearing on the DNLUP for Qikiqtaaluk with about 3 representatives from each of the 13 communities. During the hearing, community delegates called for protection of important caribou, marine mammal, fish and other wildlife habitats. Many questioned why the extensive IQ provided at community and regional consultations had not led to more designations of important areas, despite NPC's stated focus on the transfer of IQ into the DNLUP. During this hearing and previous consultations, Inuit presented most of their IQ orally, as it is still the valued mode of communications among Inuit. NPC informed delegates that there would be one last chance for the communities to make written submissions for areas to be considered before production of the final NLUP. The Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board (QWB) represents the Hunters and Trappers Organizations (HTOs) from the 13 communities. During and after the hearing, 12 of the 13 HTOs requested assistance from QWB to prepare their final submissions for the final NLUP. During 2017-18, QWB staff have held participatory land use planning workshops in each of these 12 communities. IQ was the main information source used to identify important areas for caribou, polar bears, arctic char, many marine mammals, migratory birds, and community use. Each HTO mapped their most important areas on 1:500,000 charts, and discussed the protections needed for each type of area. HTOs also reviewed the protections suggested in the DNLUP. QWB staff transferred mapped areas into QGIS and prepared draft submissions for each of area, which will be reviewed by the HTO Boards. Wildlife remain important subsistence resources as the foundation of Inuit livelihoods and culture in Qikiqtaaluk region. It is hoped that these resources will be adequately protected under the final NLUP.