A National Park Proposal on Bathurst Island

What’s Happening?

Government of Nunavut representatives meet with Resolute community members at the Bathurst Island National Park proposal information sessions hosted by Parks Canada.
© Parks Canada

Parks Canada is continuing to work with Inuit from Nunavut’s Qikiqtaaluk Region, various federal government departments and the Government of Nunavut, to establish Qausuittuq National Park.

Parks Canada and Qikiqtani Inuit Association are working towards completion and ratification of an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA). Section 8 of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement requires that an IIBA be negotiated prior to the establishment of any new national park in Nunavut. The IIBA deals with anything that could either impact or benefit Inuit including, among other things: cooperative management, continuation of Inuit harvesting rights, establishment of outpost camps, and Inuit employment and economic benefits.

Once the IIBA is completed and signed by the Government of Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the Minister responsible for Parks Canada will then recommend to Parliament the permanent protection of Qausuittuq National Park under the Canada National Parks Act.