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What is Aqviqtuuq?
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Aqviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Conserved Area
Spearheaded by the Taloyoak Umaruliririgut Association (TUA), the Aqviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) is a land that we seek to permanently protect from industrial development.
The IPCA will protect 45,039 km2 of land (0.44% of Canada’s terrestrial area), 40,730 km2 of surrounding ocean (0.77% of Canada’s marine area) and 4,413 km2 of freshwater habitat. The Aqviqtuuq IPCA will make a significant contribution to the federal government’s commitment to protect 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030.
What is an IPCA?
An Inuit Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) is an area designated for conservation where Inuit governments and organizations hold the primary role in managing and protecting the area’s ecosystems. IPCAs use Indigenous traditional knowledge as guiding principles for conservation. Abiding by Inuit Qaujimajituqangit’s principles for the respect of the land, Inuit have been long standing stewards of the land, waters and biodiversity.
“An IPCA is not like a regular protected area because it puts Indigenous people in charge, ensuring our food security with a sustainable harvest as well as economic development”
- Jimmy UllikatalikBack in the 1970s, our Elders opposed the oil and gas development and pipeline construction in Aqviqtuuq. Oil and gas explorations, mining explorations and industrial shipping represent a threat to our land and ocean. It can impact the ecosystems, the wealth and quality of animals and fish and, consequently, our health and livelihood. Aqviqtuuq IPCA aligns with the word of our Elders who came before us, and will give the next generation an opportunity to benefit from the land. It is about ensuring a sustainable access to our land, water and wildlife while safeguarding the integrity and quality of our country food and water.
Conservation Economy
We still rely on the land for sustenance, yet the creation of the Taloyoak settlement (Spence Bay) in the 1970s has permanently shifted our lifestyle. We departed from our traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle to transition to a wage economy meaning that we now need jobs and incomes to afford equipment, food and pay our bills. Aqviqtuuq IPCA will protect the land, and we want that land protection to contribute to job creation for our people. We will develop our local economy based on the conservation of our land, the promotion of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and the sustainable use of our country food.
“A mine might create jobs for 20 years but destroy the land. The first-ever Inuit Protected and Conserved Area in Canada would generate jobs forever, from generation to generation, and protect the land.”
The Guardians Program
The Guardians
Our Inuit Guardians are a team of five trained individuals who serve as the eyes and ears on the land for the community. They monitor the land and waters for its potential threats, wildlife, and archeological sites daily recording their findings on digital devices. They also hunt and harvest country food for community members unable to access the land. The Guardians run diverse projects including constructing shelter cabins, VHF repeaters, and conducting scientific monitoring. Their efforts contribute to crucial observations and scientific data that informs decision-makers in conservation efforts. They mentor the next generation of Guardians, passing on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and reconnect youth and elders to their culture by taking them on the land.
“We call them our Guardian Angels”
“Already today, our people have forgotten or lost information and teachings from our ancestors. We have to protect this.”
- Taloyoak Resident