RANKIN INLET — Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Gloria Uluqsi told a gathering at the Kivalliq Trade Show this week that Inuit must be involved early and substantively in decisions about development across the territory.
Listening and being heard
Borrowing the trade show’s theme — Naalagit, meaning “Listen” — Uluqsi urged Inuit to engage with one another, with their communities and with youth so that they can take part in shaping projects that will affect the land, water and livelihoods in the North.
“An informed Inuk is much harder to leave out of a decision that affects them,”
Uluqsi said the aim must be for consultation to be meaningful, not a check-box exercise after decisions are already effectively made. As projects advance, she said, Inuit need an opportunity to help define the problem, identify the opportunities, consider the risks and shape the options.
Projects under discussion
While Uluqsi did not mention specific developments by name in her speech, participants at the trade show have been discussing several major proposals and discussions tied to federal review. These were identified by conference attendees and regional coverage:
- Agnico Eagle Mines’ gold mining and exploration activity in the Kivalliq region.
- Four federally tracked nation-building projects in the Major Projects Office process.
Those four nation-building projects include initiatives that proponents and government officials have previously discussed publicly. The projects referenced by attendees at the trade show are:
| Project | General purpose |
|---|---|
| Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Project | Combine hydroelectric development with fibre infrastructure to connect communities. |
| Grays Bay Road and Port Project | Road and port to improve access for shipping and resources in the Kitikmeot–Kivalliq region. |
| Hydroelectricity generator near Iqaluit | Local power generation to supply Iqaluit and reduce reliance on diesel. |
| Deep-sea port in Qikiqtarjuaq | Large-scale marine infrastructure to support shipping and northern logistics. |
Why early involvement matters
Uluqsi, who served as a Government of Nunavut public servant before winning the NTI presidency in a May by-election, said NTI has a responsibility to ensure Inuit beneficiaries understand the rights they hold under the Nunavut Agreement and to support informed participation.
Her comments reflect longstanding concerns in many communities that consultations are sometimes held too late in project planning to allow meaningful influence. When engagement happens after major decisions, communities may be presented with a narrow set of options rather than being invited to co‑define the parameters of a project.
- Timing: Early participation allows communities to identify priorities and raise concerns before plans harden.
- Scope: Meaningful consultation includes discussions about risks, benefits and mitigation measures.
- Youth engagement: Bringing youth into discussions strengthens long-term community capacity and leadership.
Trade shows as a forum
Trade shows traditionally bring businesspeople together to form partnerships and negotiate deals. Uluqsi used the platform to encourage participants to go beyond transactions — to listen, to inspire and to ensure that Inuit voices shape the path forward.
She stressed the importance of encouraging young people to gain confidence and to participate in debates about economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. That emphasis echoes broader efforts across Nunavut to blend Indigenous knowledge, community priorities and technical review when assessing development.
What comes next
With federal processes such as the Major Projects Office continuing to screen and review large initiatives, Uluqsi’s remarks underline the need for sustained, well-timed engagement from governments, developers and NTI to ensure Inuit rights and interests are upheld. For communities, that means seeking clarity about timelines, opportunities for meaningful input and supports to build local capacity for participation.
As decisions unfold, the degree to which Inuit are informed and involved will determine whether projects proceed with community support or face opposition and delay. Uluqsi’s appeal at the Kivalliq Trade Show was a reminder that listening must result in being heard.
