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.”