Inuvialuit Regional Corporation welcomes continued Inuit-Crown partnership following annual meeting with Prime Minister in Kuujjuaq

June 30 2026
Kuujjuaq, Québec

Today, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair and CEO Erwin Elias, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed, and the other elected Inuit leadership from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivvik, and the Nunatsiavut Government met with Prime Minister, Mark Carney, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Rebecca Alty and federal Cabinet members to advance shared priorities for Inuit Nunangat.

At the meeting, Chair Elias emphasized that Inuvialuit must continue to be at the table when decisions are made about the Arctic, northern development and federal investments in Inuvialuit communities. He also reinforced that Inuvialuit-led solutions are essential to advancing shared priorities with Canada, including Arctic sovereignty, affordability, housing, economic development and community wellbeing.

The discussion focused on several shared priorities with the Government of Canada, including sovereignty, defence and security, international Inuit affairs, affordability, and a joint-Inuit submission to the next federal budget.

Chair Elias reiterates that Section 16 of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement sets out clear economic goals, including full Inuvialuit participation in the northern Canadian economy; an objective that applies to and extends beyond the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Government programs and projects in Inuvialuit communities must help advance these goals. When Canada works with Inuvialuit as partners, projects can move forward faster, better and at lower cost while delivering stronger outcomes for families, communities and the country.

Chair Elias expressed appreciation for the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee as an important forum for advancing shared priorities and said he looks forward to Canada’s ongoing commitment to Inuit and Inuit Nunangat through practical action, sustained partnership and meaningful investment.

Quick fact

• Established through the Inuit Nunangat Declaration in 2017, the ICPC meets three times a year and is co-chaired by the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. Once a year, the Prime Minister also co-chairs an ICPC meeting with the ITK President. The last meeting of ICPC leaders took place in November 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, and was co-chaired by President Obed and Minister Alty.

About Us

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation represents the collective interests of Inuvialuit, advancing their rights, culture, and long‑term prosperity. Through strong partnerships and community‑driven programs, the organization supports economic growth, cultural preservation and opportunities for current and future generations.