Inuit Are The Cornerstone of Canadian Arctic Sovereignty

Our vision for the Arctic is a stable, rules-based region with clearly defined boundaries, dynamic economic growth and trade, vibrant Northern communities, and healthy and productive ecosystems.

(Statement on Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy)

It is good to see the government clearly recognizing that people and vibrant northern communities are an integral part of Arctic Sovereignty. Inuit have long said that while military infrastructure and personnel are important parts of the Canadian Arctic Sovereignty strategy, people, living in vibrant, healthy, and sustainable communities, are the cornerstone of any defensible international claim.

Our country’s approach to Arctic Sovereignty wasn’t always so enlightened. We need only look at the example of Inuit relocated to the High Arctic from the Nunavik community of Inukjuak in the 1950s for proof of that. I was pleased last week to witness the government’s official apology in Inukjuak for that tragic course of events.

The Prime Minister has made the Canadian position clear to the international community. I would now urge him to move as quickly in following through on the human aspect of the statement as Canada is moving towards implementing the military aspect of our position.

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