More Bogus Reconciliation with Inuit in Nunavut to Further Militarization and Plans for War

Carney meets with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed (left) and other Inuit leaders in Iqaluit, March 18, 2025

The massive military spending announced by Mark Carney in his stopover in Iqaluit, Nunavut on March 18, was accompanied by a third announcement. In the name of "reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis," the following commitments "to build a stronger economy across Nunavut" were made by Carney:

- "$94 million to upgrade power plants in Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Igloolik, and Iqaluit." According to the government, "these important energy upgrades will ensure that Nunavut communities have access to safe and dependable power.

- "Almost $74 million to improve critical housing infrastructure, accelerate housing development, and help meet the growing demand for affordable housing.

- "Almost $66 million to build, renovate, and repair hundreds more homes across Nunavut, including for Indigenous Peoples and underserved groups."

- "$20 million to help the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation complete the first phase of the development of its hydroelectricity facility which will, once complete, provide renewable energy security and create jobs across Nunavut."

A February 25 CBC News report sheds light on the expected role of Indigenous Peoples with respect to the stepped-up militarization of the Arctic:

"For the first time, Carcross/Tagish First Nation [C/TFN] elders and land guardians helped plan and execute annual Canadian Armed Forces exercises in the Yukon.

"Land guardians ensured activities on the land this month wouldn't affect traplines or spiritual sites, and advised which areas might work best for planned manoeuvres. They also passed on some winter survival skills.

"'Our land monitors and rangers know this land, our territory, better than anyone else,' said Sean McDougall, director of heritage, language and culture with C/TFN. 'And our territory, especially in the wintertime, can be quite challenging.'"

Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Sliwowski, commanding officer of the Arctic Response Company Group said that for several years now, in addition to formal land use agreements, a ceremony has been held with community members which he said represents asking permission to use C/TFN lands.

McDougal told CBC, "Previously, we didn't have a lot of say about what was happening on our land and why." He added that contributions of Indigenous guides, especially to the military, weren't always recognized or given due respect.

(Photo: NunavutTuungavik)

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This article was published in

Volume 55 Number 3 - March 2025

Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/Tmlm2025/Articles/M550034.HTM

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