Inuit could pursue foreign partners if relationship with Ottawa sours: ITK leader

Canada’s national Inuit organization is calling on the federal government to be better partners, saying Canada must respect Inuit rights to governance and self-determination.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami wrapped up a two-day Arctic sovereignty conference in Ottawa today.

In a statement following the summit, ITK says it firmly rejects what it calls “outdated, colonial approaches to Arctic policy that repeat Canada’s past mistakes of marginalizing” Inuit.

Earlier in the day, ITK president Natan Obed said if the partnership with Ottawa is no longer feasible, Inuit will look for partners elsewhere.

Speaking with The Canadian Press, Obed said there’s been a shift with how the new Liberal government involves Inuit in developing Arctic policy and funding programs.

Obed said Ottawa did not consult with Inuit on the planned military installations in the Arctic, and has flowed money for housing to territorial governments rather than to Inuit organizations.