Qikiqtani Region in Nunavut

This Project Finance for Permanence project is led by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA). It will support a regional, Inuit–led governance model and identify new protected areas that will contribute towards Canada’s marine conservation targets. The Qikiqtani Inuit will collectively manage these protected and conserved areas in collaboration with the Government of Canada and with support from philanthropic donors.

Located in shared waters between Canada and Greenland, the Pikialasorsuaq (a.k.a the Northwater Polynya, Kalaallisut in West Greenlandic, or Savarjuaq in Inuktitut for the portion in Canada’s EEZ) is a dynamic area of open sea that remains ice-free throughout the winter. It is considered to be one the most biologically productive regions north of the Arctic Circle. Narrow channels help ice bridges form between Canada and Greenland, creating one of the largest recurring polynyas in the Arctic. The open water of the polynya influences local and regional climate and weather patterns. The polynya also supports a large variety of marine life that migrate within the region, including:

• algae
• fish
• seabirds
• marine mammals

Its open waters are an important feeding ground for many species.

Pikialasorsuaq is both ecologically and culturally important. For millennia this region has been home to some of the northern most human settlements. The polynya has supported many of these settlements through hunting for food, clothing and tools. Also, it represents an important cultural connection for Inuit families across the polynya who have travelled between Canadian and Greenlandic families and communities for hundreds of years.

Qikiqtait provides important habitat for many marine species including birds and invertebrates. The community of Sanikiluaq has been collecting knowledge and actively working to advance marine conservation in this area. These open-water areas and islands are important nesting and feeding habitats for large groups of Common Eiders and also support large groups of marine mammals like walrus, polar bears, beluga, and bearded seals.

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association – A Regional Conservation Approach (2022) (PDF, 10 MB) describes a proposed Inuit-led conservation approach that spans the entire Qikiqtani region. It is grounded in the recommendations of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission’s reports (PDF, 3 MB) and includes the creation of these large conservation areas:

• Sarvarjuaq
• Qikiqtait

The regional conservation approach proposes:

• a regional governance model to coordinate the management of existing and future conservation areas
• Inuit stewardship (Nauttiqsuqtiit) programs for all Qikiqtani communities
• infrastructure support
• fisheries reconciliation agreement(s)
• sustainability of Inuit-led conservation