Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with Inuit leaders on Tuesday in Kuujjuaq, the largest community in Nunavik, Quebec. This marks the first visit by a sitting prime minister to the village in nearly 20 years.
Upon arriving in Kuujjuaq, which is about 1,505 kilometres north of Ottawa, Carney and his cabinet ministers will land on an airstrip constructed not by the Canadian government but by the Americans during World War II.
One major topic for discussion at the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee meeting that Carney will co-chair with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) President Natan Obed is ensuring that Inuit benefit from the tens of billions allocated to strengthen Canada’s military presence in the Arctic.
“The considerations about the effect on Inuit society and our culture, our sustainability, I don’t believe have been fully considered yet,” Obed said in an interview with prior to the meeting.
“While the Government of Canada might have a very clear road map for what it would like to achieve, there is still time for us to insert the human and community element into this next wave of militarization in our homeland so that we don’t repeat past mistakes and don’t create undue burden in our society.”
Obed explained that past militarization of Canada’s North facilitated colonization efforts against Inuit and influenced where their communities were established. Now facing another pivotal moment with federal authorities, they want this time for Canada to make better choices.
“We’ve been neglected,” stated Pita Aatami, president of Makivvik Corporation – representing Inuit interests in Nunavik.
“It’s essential that we show our realities directly to the prime minister and his ministers because seeing it firsthand is always more impactful.”
Carney’s upcoming trip to Kuujjuaq, seen here from May 2022, makes him the first prime minister since Stephen Harper visited back in 2008. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
No new defense spending announced thus far has been directed towards Kuujjuaq. However, Aatami hopes he can persuade Carney and his ministers to extend airstrips across Nunavik and improve resources for Canadian Rangers – who serve as military support in Northern areas.
The specialized sub-component of the Canadian Army Reserve uses their own snowmobiles and boats during patrols; Aatami wants this situation improved.
“We want them fully equipped if we’re going to be Canada’s eyes and ears up North. We need support from Canada for this,” Aatami mentioned.
The Department of National Defence is exploring ways to enhance Ranger capabilities according to Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty. She noted they’re considering building dual-use community garages where both military personnel and local residents can repair equipment together.
A Focus on an Inuit-led University
Inuit leaders are also seeking assurance from Ottawa regarding legislation that would pave the way for establishing an Inuit-led university with satellite campuses nationwide.
Recently making headlines at an Arctic sovereignty conference held in Ottawa, Obed suggested that if Canada isn’t willing to partner effectively with them, they might consider collaboration with other countries instead.
“If partnership with Canada isn’t viable or we’re not treated as respected partners, then shouldn’t we explore other options too?” Obed told attendees at a summit on June 19.
When prompted for clarification on his remarks, Obed explained he wasn’t suggesting leaving Canada but indicated that Indigenous leadership could pursue opportunities elsewhere for advancing initiatives like their university project along with others.
He cited examples such as University of the Arctic – an international cooperative educational network comprising universities and colleges across Circumpolar Arctic regions – as potential models for cross-border collaboration.
Alty informed that they are considering introducing legislation concerning this multi-jurisdictional university plan but must engage provinces and territories before moving forward.
WATCH | The plan to protect Canada’s North:
Carney announces $35B plan to protect Canada’s Arctic p >Prime Minister Mark Carney outlined aspects of his government’s $35 billion strategy aimed at safeguarding Canada’s Arctic region through enhanced military presence while addressing allies during a speech given before heading off toward Norway.
Carney stands as first prime minister visiting Kuujjuaq since previous PM Stephen Harper made his trip back in 2008.
According to Alty , Carney – originally from Fort Smith , N. W. T.- prioritizes Northern issues. p >
“The prime minister aims at getting out across Canada , especially focusing on Northern regions ,” she emphasized. p >
