Taloyoak working to create Aviqtuuq Inuit protected and conserved area

A mine might create jobs for 20 years. But a new food economy and the first-ever Inuit protected and conserved area in Canada, would generate jobs forever, from generation to generation, and still protect the land.

Taloyoak is the most northerly community on the mainland in Canada, and the friendliest in Nunavut, writes Jimmy Oleekatalik. It also won the $500,000 Arctic Inspiration Prize, which funds innovative projects by northerners to improve their communities. The winning plan Niqihaqut, which means 'our food,' will form the management plan for Aviqtuuq by developing a country food-based economy, including a cut-and-wrap facility for preparation and distribution of the region's harvest.Photograph courtesy of Brandon Laforest/WWF-Canada

Opinion

BY JIMMY OLEEKATALIK

March 15, 2021

TALOYOAK, NUNAVUT—Taloyoak is the most northerly community on the mainland in Canada, and the friendliest in Nunavut. From here on the southwestern coast of Aviqtuuq, there are only islands, so all wildlife has to pass through Taloyoak, by water or land, during their migration. Despite this abund...

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