Ambassadors visit Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, building international awareness of key priorities

A group of international ambassadors visited Inuuvik and Tuktuuyaqtuuq on June 24 and 25 as part of a Global Affairs Canada diplomatic tour. The delegation, including 30 heads of mission based in Ottawa, met with Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) chair and CEO, Duane Ningaqsiq Smith and IRC staff. They also met with Tuktuuyaqtuuq Hamlet representatives and Community Corporation vice-chair, Tianna Gordon-Ruben.

Highlighting Inuvialuit-led initiatives and governance, the tour helped build international awareness of IRC efforts to improve the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of Inuvialuit and the importance of self-determination and Arctic sovereignty.

“These discussions not only raise awareness of the Western Arctic Land Claims Agreement – the Inuvialuit Final Agreement – they highlight ongoing and future projects in the region. They also play an important role in strengthening international government-to-government relationships,” said IRC Chair and CEO, Duane Ningaqsiq Smith.

The Inuuvik portion of the tour included an IRC presentation, visits to the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization (ICEDO) meat processing facility, IRC corporate centre and the Inuvialuit Craft Shop. This provided an opportunity to further discuss Inuvialuit legislative and decision-making jurisdiction, while exposing the delegation to Inuvialuit culture and traditions.

Ambassadors expressed appreciation for the opportunity to increase their understanding of the unique possibilities and challenges facing Inuvialuit living in the North, noting particular interest in local governance, food security initiatives and the overall Inuvialuit governance structure from both local and international perspectives. They also conveyed a willingness to assist in promoting Inuvialuit-led initiatives.