Nunavik

Nestled within the pristine wilderness of Northern Quebec, the Nunavik Inuit, known as the Nunavimmiut, have woven their heritage into the very fabric of this remote and awe-inspiring landscape. Much like the Inuvialuit and Nunavut Inuit, the Nunavimmiut are an indigenous people with an unbreakable bond to their ancestral lands, a connection that spans countless generations. The Nunavimmiut have embarked on a unique and inspiring journey, one that encompasses self-determination, cultural preservation, and a deep reverence for their environment. Their path, etched with the same resilience and foresight as their Inuvialuit and Nunavut counterparts, has been profoundly shaped by a series of historic agreements, including the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA), and the Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement (EMRLCA). The JBNQA, negotiated and signed in 1975, marked a turning point in their history, granting them substantial autonomy, land rights, and the means to chart their own destiny within the James Bay and Northern Quebec region. This agreement laid the foundation for subsequent developments, including the NILCA and EMRLCA, which further solidified their rights, governance structures, and environmental stewardship in their ancestral lands. The NILCA, reached in 2006, and the EMRLCA, agreed upon in 2019, represent significant milestones in the Nunavimmiut's journey towards self-determination and cultural revitalization. These agreements established the Makivik Corporation and the Eeyou Marine Region Wildlife Board, respectively, providing platforms for self-governance, sustainable development, and the preservation of their unique cultural heritage within the expansive region of Nunavik and the Eeyou Marine Region. As we delve into the remarkable journey and rich cultural tapestry of the Nunavik Inuit, we will explore the enduring impact of these historic agreements on their lives, their profound connection to their ancestral lands, and their ongoing efforts to thrive amidst the ever-evolving landscape of northern Quebec.

Inuit Treaties of Nunavik