NEWSLETTER Joint Secretariat Inuvialuit Settlement Region July/August 2021 Vol. 1 Issue 3

harvesting & SUStainability Table of Contents Basic Goals of the IFA The basic goals of the IFA expressed by the Inuvialuit and recognized by Canada are as Message from Chair of the Joint Secretariat Board Page 3 follows: ATHC’s Michelle Gruben: Resource Person at Work Page 4 • To preserve Inuvialuit cultural identity “Inuvut, Inikputlu” & Community Mapping Tour Page 5 and values within a changing northern Inuvialuit Game Council Page 6 society. ISR Community-Based Monitoring Program Page 7 • To enable Inuvialuit to be equal Environmental Impact Screening Committee Page 8 and meaningful participants in the Environmental Impact Review Board Page 9 northern and national economy and society. Fisheries Joint Management Committee Page 10 Marine Protected Areas in the ISR Page 11 • To protect and preserve the Arctic wildlife, environment and biological Wildlife Management Advisory Committee (NS) Page 12 productivity. Wildlife Management Advisory Committee (NWT) Page 13 The IFA provides for a land base, financial JS Youth Outreach Page 14 compensation, control of wildlife harvesting, JS Staff - At Work and Play Page 18 and an Inuvialuit voice in the future of JS Releases Beluga Harvest Youth Documentary Page 19 development in the ISR. p

Joint Secretariat P.O. Box 2120 Tel: 867.777.2828 107 Mackenzie Road Email: [email protected] or Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0 [email protected] Website: www.jointsecretariat.ca Social: www.fb.com/jointsecretariat

The Joint Secretariat - Inuvialuit Settlement Region - Newsletter is published twice a year. Print copies are available by mail or downloadable from the website. Contact the Joint Secretariat office for more information. Cover Photo - Hanging Arctic char in . Inset Photo - Elina, daughter of Alison Lennie and Tony Stefure, learning to harvest muktuk. (Photo: Sophie Stefure, Arctic Canoe and Kayak Rentals, .)

Scope of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement Joint Secretariat Logo For the Inuvialuit Game Council and the IFA Committees (or joint management The 3 corners of the triangle represent the 3 groups bodies), the IFA specifically outlines their involvement in 4 Sections. The of people who work with the JS - the Inuvialuit, the Inuvialuit participation is ensured within these established structures. territorial governments and the federal government. Muskox and char were included to represent the IFA Sections IFA Specifies wildlife and fish, which are managed by the IGC and IFA Committees. The muskox was chosen because Section 11: The environmental impact screening and review it is typically an arctic terrestrial animal. The char Environment Impact process, including the 2 bodies responsible for was chosen due to its importance to the Inuvialuit Screening and Review screening and review – EISC and EIRB. communities. Lastly, the blue waves represent water Process and the white background represents ice and snow, Section 12: The special measures and management structure which are primary elements of the environment within Yukon North Slope that relate to the Yukon North Slope – those lands the ISR. between the Yukon-NWT boundary and Alaska; p responsible management organization – WMAC(NS). The Joint Secretariat (JS) logo was designed in 1987. Section: 13: Wildlife Impact Assessment and wildlife Wildlife Compensation compensation measures, should wildlife harvest loss result from development in the ISR. Section 14: The rights of Inuvialuit to harvest wildlife, marine Wildlife Harvesting and mammals and fish, and the related management Management processes and responsible management organizations – IGC, HTCs, WMAC(NWT), FJMC.

2 | Joint Secretariat Message from Chair of the Joint Secretariat Board LARRY CARPENTER Larry Carpenter, Joint Secretariat Board Chair.

Hello! and continue to provide support to ensure Inuvialuit rights are looked after in the balance between harvesting and sustainability. I will Welcome to the 3rd Joint Secretariat Newsletter, Summer edition! In continue to provide a voice for the communities. this publication, we pay tribute to “Harvesting and Sustainability in the ISR”. We recognize the elders, the harvesters, knowledge holders, In 2020/2021, the JS continued to provide administrative and technical who were the backbone of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA). support to the IGC and 4 out of the 5 IFA Committees established under the IFA. As the JS administers all funding (receivables and payables), Inuvialuit continue to play a key role on decision-making matters that staff in the IFA Committees have been involved in the production of affect Inuvialuit traditional pursuits. As a result of the IFA, Inuvialuit their respective annual report activities (year ending March 31) as are involved in international, national and regional issues that affect part of the accountability process. all matters relating to wildlife. At the same time, we promote the sustainable use of wildlife amongst all Indigenous peoples. To stay connected on issues and with the communities in spite of COVID-19, the JS held and participated in many online meetings After 5 years, I am pleased to pass on the responsibility as Chair of and teleconferences this year. As vaccination numbers climb and the Joint Secretariat Board (JS) to Dennis Arey, the newly-elected restrictions are relaxed, a sense of normalcy is returning with tours by Chair of the Inuvialuit Game Council (IGC). Joining him is Herb the IGC, Munaqsiyit Program Contract Agreement Community Tour, Angik Nakimayak (FJMC Chair) as the Vice-Chair. Both come from a Community Mapping Tour, FJMC and WMAC (NWT) Community Tours. traditional Inuvialuit harvesting background. I am very proud to see them take on the leadership roles to ensure our voices are heard The JS is proud of our dedicated staff for continuing to do amazing in protecting and preserving the Arctic wildlife, environment and work as well as caring for the community through picking garbage as biological productivity. part of the Town of Inuvik Clean-up campaign to showing support in standing up against bullying. Of special note is a Long-Service Award As for me, I will remain focus in my role as the Chair of WMAC (NWT) to Bernice Joe for 20 years with the organization.

Representatives from all HTCs met in Inuvik March 2021 to plan out a multi-year Lastly, we recognize Lindsay Staples! After more than 30 years as project to develop an Inuvialuit-led co-management framework for the Migratory the first and only Chair of WMAC (NS), he stepped down in March Bird Sanctuaries in the ISR. Jasmine Keogak from captured some of 2021 from the position. Thank you for your hard work and many the shared knowledge that resulted from that meeting through her graphic recording contributions! Happy Retirement Lindsay! panels like the one pictured below. Late flash - Jennifer Smith is the new Chair of WMAC (NS)! Thanks goes to Billy Storr as the Acting Chair in the interim. p

Joint Secretariat Board JS Position IFA Committee Dennis Arey Chair IGC Chair Herb Nakimayak Vice-Chair FJMC Chair Larry Carpenter Member WMAC (NWT) Chair Jennifer Smith Member WMAC (NS) Chair David Livingstone Member EISC Chair Ethel-Jean Gruben and Member EIRB Co-Chairs (Acting) Cathy Cockney Melody Nice Secretary JS Executive Director

Inuvialuit Settlement Region | 3 AHTC’s Michelle Gruben ... Resource Person at Work

“I started working as the Resource Herschel Island to observe the cruise ship and see if there were Person (RP) for the HTC any economic benefits for the community. March 23, 2009. It doesn’t seem so long ago. When you are busy There I am sitting, and people are coming off the cruise ship and love what you do, the days asking for the location of Kay Point. I showed them on the just fly by. It doesn’t seem like 10 map, not asking why they wanted to know. When we came Snap Chat years, well, maybe 5 years. home, I saw a friend’s post on about how there was a group of them hunting along the Yukon North Slope. That I work with a good Board, they are was a long way to travel. They posted photos saying that they always understanding and very could have gotten caribou but there were these people in red grounded. If there is a personal jackets walking on the beach. That was the tour group! conflict, that stays outside. It is all work-related once inside the Wearing my hat as RP for the AHTC, I asked to screenshot the AHTC. I like it. photos to share because the IFA says that any kind of activity like this (cruise ship) should not interfere with on the land The AHTC is made of 7 elected directors from the community. Among them, harvesting. That was September 2019. It took a long time; and they have an elected Executive (ie. President, Vice-President, Treasurer and just this past March (2021) we got word from the cruise ship Secretary). I report to the Executive; but my first point of contact is the owner that those harvesters were compensated for their time President. The full AHTC board is my boss. and loss of harvest. It really should be the whole community, because they lost out on the harvest. I’m so glad to have been Under the IFA, the AHTC is there along with the Aklavik Community a part of the fight standing up for our rights. Corporation (ACC) to look after the members. If a beneficiary were to walk into the office asking for help, like an application for IHAP or had harvesting Who is Michelle Gruben? questions, I would drop everything to help the person. In my eyes, that is I am still a Tuk girl in my heart, but Aklavik is my home! I never what this HTC is for … to help its members. There would not be an HTC office, thought I would live among the trees. I love how Aklavik is a if not for the members. close-knit community, always coming together to help each other. The people are great! When you are the Resource Person (RP), it is kind of like an Office Manager. In that position, there are really no set hours, like 9 to 5. Sometimes you are I grew up by the ocean and really miss the smell. Every summer, needed outside those hours. That’s part of the job. When we used to sign I go down to Shingle Point for my holiday. That’s where I go to out bear tags, I always tell people ‘don’t come to my house after 11 pm’. harvest dry fish, char, caribou, berries … just to be on the land and gather my thoughts. But even at Shingle, somehow, work Communication is important. I post a lot of items on social media as that’s will find me there, by In-Reach, satellite phone, etc. There’s the best way to get things out to the members. Then I have to remind myself, nothing I can do while I’m down as I listen to the ring tones and not everyone has Facebook, like the elders. So I would quickly print it on beeps. I have always wondered why we don’t have meetings paper and bring it to the Radio Bingo or to the radio show for elders. I want at Shingle! the majority of AHTC members to know what is happening at their office. As well as working as the RP, and as mentioned I sat on the What I Love Best in the Job ACC as a director and currently on my third term as the What I love the best about my job is the people! You don’t see the same Alternate for WMAC (NS). I also represent the Inuvialuit on the people every day. Elders would come by to chat. Others came for coffee Aboriginal Steering Committee for Water Quality. I find that a saying I make a damn good cup. Others asked ‘what’s new at HTC or what’s lot of people reach out to me due to my role at the AHTC. One happening’. So I tell them. It was awful during COVID-19. People had to organization said, ‘We heard you work there Michelle and we make appointment, but they still managed to come. I was busy! like collaboration and working with you.’ That is just deadly!” p Challenges in the Job What is challenging about the job is that there is only me at the AHTC. We Shingle Point. are understaff. We are unique here. Under the IFA, each community has an HTC, but Aklavik is the only one that deals with two territorial jurisdictions – NWT and Yukon. For example, as there are a lot of monitoring projects on the Yukon North Slope, and we create employment opportunities for our members, staff must also know Yukon’s Workers Compensation regulations. We need to have working knowledge of both NWT and Yukon government structures, regulations, conservation practices, etc. Two sets of rules to learn! In my eyes, RPs should read and understand the IFA, the by-laws, etc. because your HTC decisions fall within it. The IFA is there for a reason; it is the guiding tool within the ISR. We are not going to be here forever; I hope the younger generation will take that into consideration and read the IFA. Herschel Island Cruise Ship Encounter One September when I was on the ACC as an elected director, 3 of us went to

4 | Joint Secretariat Hunters & Trappers Committees (HTCs) in the ISR

The Hunters and Trappers Committees (HTCs) play a key role in Aklavik HTC championing the basic goals of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA) by • Email: [email protected] Tel: 867.978.2723 preserving Inuvialuit cultural identity and values through traditional knowledge, meaningfully participating in the northern and national Inuvik HTC economy and society, and providing valuable information, data and • Email: [email protected] Tel: 867.777.3671 advice to protect and preserve the Arctic wildlife, environment and HTC biological productivity. Their duties and responsibilities are outlined • Email: [email protected] Tel: 867.580.3004 in Section 14 (Wildlife Harvesting and Management) of the IFA. Sachs Harbour HTC The HTCs in each of the 6 ISR communities are the backbone in • Email: [email protected] Tel: 867.690.3028 ensuring that the Inuvialuit Game Council and the IFA Committees (or co-management bodies) remain effective and relevant in a changing Tuktoyaktuk HTC society. • Email: [email protected] Tel: 867.977.2457 Olokhaktomiut HTC • Email: [email protected] Tel: 867.396.4808 p

“Inuvut, Inikputlu” & Community Mapping Workshop Tour Funded by the Government of Canada, the Coastal Restoration Fund that 88% of participants today are teaching others about how they developed a project known as the Inuvut, Inikputlu Project, meaning use the environment, 84% harvest traditional foods for seasonal or ‘Our People, Our Place”. The approach is focusing on environmental regular consumption, 99% share their food with others, and 65% use and social stressors, where data is being collected from locals in each different places than in the past. of the six ISR communities. “Reflecting from the data accumulated, makes me happy to know that “We are examining changes in the ways Inuvialuit relate to the places our percentages in this region are still fairly high and shows that we they use, live or are otherwise connected,” explained Chukita Gruben, Inuvialuit are adapting, yet maintaining a relationship with this place JR Resource Coordinator. She is currently in the middle of a community that we call home,” said Chukita. tour to run mapping workshops for this project. The QuickTap Survey has definitely assisted the Project team by This work is a collaboration between the Joint Secretariat, Inuvialuit building momentum for the Community Mapping Workshop Tour, Game Council, NEXUS Coastal Resource Management, and Dalhousie where Chukita will be visiting all of the 6 Inuvialuit Communities. University’s Marine Affairs Program. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please QuickTap Survey Results contact Chukita Gruben at [email protected] or 867.620.0339.p During the month of February and March of 2021, an online Quicktap Survey was launched. Inuvialuit from all 6 communities took part in QuickTap Survey Results assisted in the Community Mapping Workshop Tour to the this survey. As most participants ranged from ages 25 to 65, it showed Inuvialuit communities.

Inuvialuit Settlement Region | 5 Inuvialuit Game Council New IGC Chair - Dennis Arey

Mandate The IGC also participated in various meetings In accordance with the IFA, the Inuvialuit related to the region including the Porcupine Game Council (IGC) represents the Caribou Annual Harvest Meeting, Inuvik- collective Inuvialuit interest in wildlife and Tuktoyaktuk Highway Corridor Working environmental matters. The IGC derives its Group meetings, Advisory Committee for mandate from Section 14(74) of the IFA. the Cooperation on Wildlife Management (ACCWM) Bluenose West, Bluenose East and The IGC is responsible for upholding and Cape Bathurst Management Plan and Action administering Inuvialuit harvesting rights as Plans. well as representing the collective Inuvialuit interest in all matters related to renewable Support of Research Projects resource management in the ISR. A variety of research projects are supported and co-developed with the IGC including: Wildlife Highlights Summary Congratulations to Dennis Arey, an Inuvialuit With increasing international focus on • Ivvavik National Park Documentary beneficiary from Aklavik as the newly- issues related to polar bears, the IGC • Dolphin and Union Caribou Survey elected Chair of the IGC! As an active took a proactive role to ensure continued • Aullaviat/Aunguniarvik - Conservation traditional hunter, harvester and trapper, involvement in any management decisions Area Meeting of Parties Dennis has the knowledge, skills and that would affect them in the ISR. • Country Foods for Good Health - experience on travelling on the land by boat Northern Contaminants Progam or skidoo within the Mackenzie Delta to the In 2020/2021, the IGC continued to work • Munaqsiyit Program Richardson Mountains to the Arctic Ocean. closely with other Inuit groups in Canada • Inuvialuit Traditional Knowledge With his involvement on various boards, ie. and the federal and territorial governments Research Policy to ensure proper and robust adaptive WMAC(NWT), Tarium Niryutait MPA Working management of this species on a regional, 42 HTC Directors Meeting Planning Group and Aklavik HTC, Dennis is a strong national and international level. Staff Plans for the first ever 42 HTC Directors advocate for the Inuvialuit and known as a participated in a number of meetings Meeting are being finalized for Fall 2021. This voice for the community of Aklavik. focused on polar bear management, ie. event will provide an opportunity to discuss a “Co-management is the key to protecting, Polar Bear Technical Committee and Polar range of topics including HTC level issues with conserving and preserving wildlife and Bear Administrative Committee. wildlife management and research matters. their habitats within the ISR,” said Dennis. The mutually beneficial discussions will help The IGC hosted the Inuvialuit-Inupiat Polar “Inuvialuit must make informed decisions increase the integration of community input Bear and Beluga Whale Joint Commission so that our culture, traditions and lifestyles and better align decision-making processes meetings virtually in October 2020. The IGC continue for generations.” p within the co-management system specific has been involved in the planning for the to the setting of research priorities. p next round of polar bear population surveys in the Beaufort Sea.

IGC Membership Alternate Community Dennis Arey (Chair) - - Jim Elias (Vice-Chair) Richard Gruben Tuktoyaktuk Johnnie (JD) Storr (Director) Dean Arey Aklavik Douglas Esagok (Director) Eric Cockney Inuvik Lawrence Ruben (Director) Jody Illasiak Paulatuk John Lucas Jr. (Director) Dustyn Gully Sachs Harbour Patrick Klengenberg (Director) Joseph Haluksit Ulukhaktok

The Inuvialuit Game Council (IGC) at the March 2021 meeting in Inuvik with board and staff Left to right: Davonna Kasook, Pat Klengenberg, Lawrence Ruben, Richard Gruben, Douglas Esagok, Johnnie Storr, John Lucas Jr., Jim Elias and Leanne Gordon. 6 | Joint Secretariat ISR-Community-Based Monitoring Program

The ISR-Community-Based Monitoring Program (ISR-CBMP) is a Dates have been locked down, August 9 to 13, 2021. Two selected partnership between the 6 HTCs, the ISR wildlife co-management Tlicho Monitors and one Tlicho staff will accompany CBMP’s Imaryuk boards, IGC, IRC and the Joint Secretariat. Its mandate is to build and Monitors on daily patrol of the Inuvik-Tuk Highway and Husky Lake increase local capacity to monitor current environmental conditions Cabin Site Inspections. and trends through the training of Community Resource Technicians and the participation of local harvesters. Community Tour The Munaqsiyit Program Contract Agreement Community Tour in Make Way Northern Stewardship Gathering the 6 ISR communities was a complete success. Kirt Ruben and The Make Way Northern Stewardship Gathering took place in Jillian Fitzpatrick, Contract and Contribution Agreement Coordinator, Yellowknife April 20 to 22 focusing on youth engagement and travelled or took part via zoom meetings with all HTC Board Members community approaches to wildlife monitoring. and presented the newly completed C.A. between the Joint Secretariat and HTCs. Kirt Ruben, CBMP Project Manager, was invited to be a panelist on the discussion of Community Participation in Monitoring Activities and • Paulatuk HTC Tour May 27 Programs. This focused on experiences where community members, • Ulukhaktok HTC Tour June 2 general land users and harvesters (who are not staff) are intentionally • Inuvik HTC Tour June 16 supported to contribute knowledge, information and data to support • Tuktoyaktuk HTC Tour June 17 wildlife monitoring objectives. • Sachs Harbour HTC Tour June 24 • Aklavik HTC Tour June 25 p Lennie Emaghok, Tuktoyaktuk Senior Imaryuk Monitor, and Max Kotokak Sr, Inuvik Munaqsiyit Monitor, also attended as panelists on the discussion of Indigenous Laws and Cultural Protocols. This looked at how indigenous laws and cultural protocols are the foundation of wildlife monitoring practices. Tlicho Government The Tlicho Government is currently awaiting the all-weather road that will connect the community of Whati to Yellowknife. They met with Kirt Ruben to plan a Monitor Exchange. Two monitors would travel from Whati to Inuvik to begin job shadowing the Imaryuk Monitors and replicating the program to fit their own back home.

The Munaqsiyit Program Contract Agreement Community Tour to meet the HTC Boards. Top Left: Paulatuk. Top Centre: Aklavik. Top Right: Ulukhaktok. Bottom Left: Tuktoyaktuk. Bottom Right: Sachs Harbour.

Inuvialuit Settlement Region | 7 Environmental Impact Screening Committee

Mandate reasons may be exempt from the screening process. This enables the Pursuant to the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA), the Environmental EISC to have a broad picture of the activities being carried out within Impact Screening Committee’s (EISC) mandate is to undertake the ISR for the purposes of cumulative impact assessment. a preliminary assessment of a proposed development and its The EISC greatly appreciated the efforts of the other Joint Secretariat environmental effects to determine whether a proposed development co-management groups, government agencies, Aurora Research “… could have a significant negative environmental impact”. If the Institute, and Inuvialuit Land Administration during the reporting year proposed development is determined to have a significant negative to keep the EISC apprised of such activities. environmental effect, then the proposed development will be referred to an environmental impact review process for further assessment Other Activities and review. Internal administrative projects were undertaken by the EISC during Regular Meetings the 2020/2021 reporting period to fulfill section 11.(14) under the IFA, i.e. “The Screening Committee may establish and adopt by-laws and The EISC conducts its screening process in two stages: pre-screening and rules for its internal management and procedures in order to ensure screening. The EISC pre-screening subcommittee meets electronically reasonable and expeditious consideration of applications.” as and when required to determine whether a project proposal requires an environmental impact screening. Those decisions are normally made The EISC Screening Guidelines are required to be reviewed at least within 10 days of receipt of a complete project summary description. every 5 years in order to maintain procedural consistency, fairness and The EISC as a whole usually meets in Inuvik every 6 weeks to review transparency in its processes. The most current review was completed the findings of the pre-screening subcommittee, to refer projects to May 30, 2021. screening and to make determinations regarding projects undergoing a full screening. When timing is an issue, the EISC may hold special The EISC uses an online registry which acts as a repository for all teleconferences to reach decisions. Screening decisions are normally projects submitted into the EISC. These files are publicly accessible reached within 60 days following referral of the project to screening. for any interested parties to view on the EISC website (www. screeningcommittee.ca). In December 2020, the EISC initiated the Projects Screened by EISC development of a new registry platform utilizing the services of Over the 2020/2021 fiscal year, a total of 43 projects were submitted Freshworks Studio Inc. The expected launch date of the new registry to the EISC for review. They are broken down as follows: is scheduled for August 23, 2021 and will be accessible through the EISC website upon release. p Project Type Number of Submissions On the land harvesting finds - aqpiks and eggs. Research 11 Tourism 19 Cruise Ships 0 Infrastructure 6 Remediation 1 Monitoring 3 Oil & Gas 1 Education 1 Film 1 From the submissions, 6 were screened and as of July 5, 2021, 2 have decisions pending. Other Proposed ISR Projects In addition to developments that are screened, the EISC asks to be informed of other projects proposed for the ISR which for various

EISC Member Position Appointed By Appointed Expires David Livingstone Chair Canada October 6, 2020 October 5, 2023 Ron Wallace GNWT Member NWT Government March 22, 2019 March 21, 2022 Bengt Pettersson YTG Member Yukon Government August 5, 2019 August 4, 2022 Ray Ruben Sr. Inuvialuit Member Inuvialuit October 1, 2019 September 30, 2022 Shannon O’Hara-Nadeau Inuvialuit Member Inuvialuit October 1, 2019 September 30, 2022 Gerald Inglangasuk Inuvialuit Member Inuvialuit October 1, 2018 September 30, 2021 Todd Slack Canada Member Canada August 23, 2019 August 22, 2022

8 | Joint Secretariat Environmental Impact Review Board

Mandate The EIRB began updating the current EIRB Guidelines with The Firelight The Environmental Impact Review Board (EIRB) conducts reviews, Group who has extensive experience in working with Northern Impact through a public hearing process, of projects referred by the EISC. It Review Boards. As well as a priority, this will also give new members a then recommends which development projects should move forward, good opportunity to learn more about what a Review Board does and complete with any terms and conditions. what is involved in a Review. Proposed developments in the ISR that have the potential for In January 2021, the EIRB also met with the MVIRB (Mackenzie Valley significant adverse environmental effects are referred to the EIRB. Impact Review Board). This was a good meeting to learn more about In making these recommendations, the EIRB considers the need for MVIRB and their Cultural best practices and community engagement wildlife compensation, mitigation measures and remedial measures. when conducting a review. The EIRB looks forward to more meetings with MVIRB. The Process The EIRB initiates the public phase of environmental reviews by inviting There were some turnovers on the EIRB in early 2021. We offer sincere the general public to participate in the review process. The public can thanks to past members, the Chair John Donihee, Yukon member participate in a number of ways, including registration as an intervener Ian Robertson and Canada member Jim Umpherson. Currently the and participation at a public hearing. These public hearings usually EIRB is waiting for the new appointments to fill these positions. It occur in the community most affected by the proposed development. remains prepared to address any referrals which might result from the screenings in 2020/2021. p After gathering the information, the EIRB will prepare a final report with recommendations submitted to the federal authority who will then choose to accept, alter, or reject these recommendations. No permit or license shall be issued without final approval.

Message from the Co-Chairs Top: Muktuk drying after a whale harvest. Bottom Left: On the land in Paulatuk. The EIRB did not conduct any reviews during the past year. Activities Bottom Right: Ulukhaktok. were restricted to administrative matters, on-going training of members and, as required, public outreach and education in respect of the system of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) found in the IFA. Due to COVID-19, it was a challenging year. All in person meetings were cancelled, with a few held by teleconference.

EIRB Member Position Appointed By Catherine Cockney Co-Chair Canada, GNWT Member Ethel-Jean Gruben Co-Chair IGC, Inuvialuit Member Vacant Member Canada, Yukon Member Vacant Member Canada Robert Kuptana Member IGC, Inuvialuit Member Debbie Gully Member IGC, Inuvialuit Member

Inuvialuit Settlement Region | 9 FJMC Chair - Herb Angik Nakimayak

Please join the FJMC Members and staff in welcoming and congratulating new Chair Herb Angik Nakimayak! Herb was raised by his parents (Helen and Jonah) in Paulatuk in a traditional lifestyle which included hunting, fishing and trapping. Currently he lives in Yellowknife Mandate with his family; spending time hunting and The Fisheries Joint Management Committee (FJMC) advises the fishing. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada on matters of fish and marine As the Vice-President for Inuit Circumpolar mammal management in the ISR, as well as assisting the Minister in Council, Canada (2014-2018), Herb had a administering Canada’s rights and obligations for the management of direct role in the negotiation with other Arctic states of the Central fisheries under the IFA. The Committee is responsible for collecting Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement. Indigenous people now have a harvest information and making recommendations on subsistence voice for collaboration and cooperation between the Arctic states, quotas for fish and harvestable quotas for marine mammals. The FJMC scientists, and Indigenous knowledge holders. has also implemented a system to monitor sport-fishing on Inuvialuit private lands. Herb also served as an MLA for the riding of Nunakput - Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk and Ulukhaktok (2015-2019) in the NWT. Year in Review Highlights During his term, the Environment Act was passed along with other Despite COVID-19, the FJMC has worked successfully with their DFO bills to improve the quality of life. With a strong voice, he is a tireless and Inuvialuit partners to ensure that fisheries research, monitoring, advocate for Inuvialuit and Indigenous rights. and management activities continued in the ISR. This allowed for 26 different FJMC supported projects in 2021/2022, as well as the regular Recently, Herb worked with DFO to develop the new Arctic Region. His co-management activities and programs such as the ISR beluga diverse work history has led him to become a valuable resource in all monitoring program (on-going since 1980). capacities, from the front line to negotiating in the boardroom. His experience has positioned him to create positive outcomes for Inuit This year, the FJMC reorganized their work into 5 streams: community and Indigenous people, the land and the environment. priorities, Marine Protected Areas, Stock-specific Management; Habitats and Ecosystems; and ISR-wide, National, and International topics. Looking forward to the next chapter for FJMC, with a beneficiary in this important leadership role. Warmest welcome, Herb! p In Fall 2020, the FJMC met with the HTC Presidents in the ISR and conducted a modified version of their annual community tour in March/ 2. Lake Trout Monitoring Program. Trout Monitors from IHTC and April 2021, visiting Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk, and Ulukhaktok. Using THTC monitor and sample Lake Trout from the Husky Lakes information gathered at these and past meetings with community subsistence fishery. Monitors measure and record important data representatives, the FJMC conducted a review of documented required for understanding the health and age of the fish. community priorities/concerns and assessed their present status. This work has been used to inform discussions with DFO and Inuvialuit 3. Test Netting Program. A test netting program along the shores partners and will contribute to the development of a new project to of Husky Lakes by a fisheries researcher and local crew members assess The State of Fish and Fisheries in the ISR. count and identify the various fish species in Husky Lakes to gain an understanding of their current distribution and diversity within Husky Lakes Ecological Assessment Project the different basins. The Husky Lakes Ecological Assessment Project, also titled, “Monitoring fish, fish habitat, and fish prey in the Husky Lakes 4. Lake Trout Harvest Study. IHTC and THTC will interview harvesters ecosystem to identify and assess influences related to climate change to document their catches of Lake Trout within Husky Lakes during and the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH)” is a multi-component 2021. This information will be used to better understand fishing research and monitoring project being delivered from 2021-2023 in pressure and will support FJMC’s fish and fisheries management. partnership with FJMC, THTC, IHTC and Joint Secretariat. Its objective 5. Inuvialuit Knowledge Study. This study will gather local is to update and expand the existing database for Husky Lakes relating knowledge regarding shifts in the Husky Lakes ecosystem and to fish diversity, fish distribution, prey distribution, habitat, and water changes to the fish community and subsistence fishery that has quality, including local Inuvialuit knowledge, and is to position the been experienced in recent years. Inuvialuit to understand and compare the pre-highway Husky Lakes ecosystem to today. Its hope is to better understand the impacts the 2021 was the first field season for the project. The Test Netting Husky Lakes fish community may be experience due to increased Program was successfully delivered in early July. The Trout Monitoring access to the Lakes and warming temperatures due to climate change. Program is on-going, beginning in May and ending this August. The Lake Trout Harvest Study and Inuvialuit Knowledge Study start dates The 5 main components are as follows: are upcoming this Summer and Fall. Stay tuned for news on how you 1. Steering Committee. Appointed members from FJMC, THTC, can become involved. This project is funded by FJMC, Fisheries and and IHTC meets multiple times a year to provide direction and Ocean’s IHPP fund, and Oceans North. p oversight for the project. 10 | Joint Secretariat Marine Protected Areas in the ISR As the Marine Protected Area Coordinator, Kayla Hansen-Craik works closely TNMPA WG during a meeting in April 2021. The TNMPA with DFO, FJMC, Inuvialuit Organizations (IGC and IRC), and local HTCs to ensure WG will use the State Report to inform their updates to the the appropriate and effective management and monitoring of the 2 Arctic TNMPA Monitoring Plan. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the ISR. Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area MPAs in the ISR are co-managed through the community-level Tarium Niryutait Conservation Objective: To maintain the integrity of the MPA (TNMPA WG) and Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam MPA (ANMPA WG) working marine environment offshore of the Cape Parry Migratory groups and the Western Arctic Marine Protected Area Steering Committee Bird Sanctuary so that it is productive and allows for higher (WAMPA SC). trophic level feeding; and to maintain the habitat to support populations of key species (ie., beluga whales, Arctic char, WAMPA SC provides guidance and regional coordination to the TNMPA and and ringed and bearded seals). ANMPA WGs. WAMPA SC is currently exploring options for improved MPA funding in the ISR. The ANMPA WG has been working hard on developing the draft ANMPA monitoring plan over the past 3 years. Indicator themes with short and long-term actionable goals were identified to help guide research and monitoring efforts. Following the science advice on indicators under the the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS), the ANMPA WG developed a plan from a community focus, providing a summary table of community priority indicators and actions. Next will be a workshop to bring the science advice to the ANMPA WG and identify together what could be incorporated into the draft monitoring plan for consultation MPA Research and Monitoring Funding Process with communities and co-management partners. The annual MPA Research and Monitoring Funding allocation process is tied to For more information on the Marine Protected Areas, the FJMC annual research priority setting and funding process. This allows for please contact Kayla 867.777.2828 or email khansen- strategic financial planning and cost sharing between MPA and FJMC research [email protected]. p funding. Priorities for MPA research and monitoring activities are gathered throughout the year at MPA working group meetings and through attendance at FJMC June tour and September FJMC/HTC Presidents meetings. Annual MPA research and monitoring WAMPA SC TNMPA WG ANMPA WG funding decisions are made at a joint FJMC and WAMPA Membership Membership Membership SC meeting, usually held in January. Joel Ingram (Chair, WAMPA SC) Dean Arey (Chair) Jody Illasiak (Chair) Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area Jody Illasiak (Chair, ANMPA WG) Heavenly Elias (THTC) Ray Ruben Sr. (PHTC) Conservation Objective: To conserve and protect Dean Arey (Chair, TNMPA WG) Darrel Nasogaluak (THTC) Noel Green (PHTC) beluga whales and other marine species, their habitats, Eric Cockney (IGC) George Lennie (THTC) Michael Green (PHTC) and their supporting ecosystem. Jason Stow (DFO) Onida Banksland (IHTC) Bill S. Ruben (PHTC) The final State of the TNMPA Report: Inventory of John Noksana (FJMC) Patrick Gordon (AHTC) Claire Salvador (DFO) Monitoring from 2010-2016 highlighting the results Jenn Parrott (IRC) Claire Salvador (DFO) Rebecca Ruben (PHTC Future MPA Leader) of the qualitative review with recommendations for future monitoring of the TNMPA was presented to the Kevin Bill (DFO) Grace Illasiak (AHTC Future MPA Leader)

FJMC Member Position Appointed By Herb Nakimayak Chair FJMC John Noksana Jr. Inuvialuit Member IGC Lawrence Ruben Inuvialuit Member IGC Burton Ayles Canada Member DFO Lois Harwood Canada Member DFO Richard Binder Sr. Inuvialuit Member IGC (Alternate) Stan Ruben Inuvialuit Member IGC (Alternate)

In April 2020, the FJMC recognized Emma and John Alikamik for their 28 years of work on monitoring nattiq (seal). Ther work has been invaluable in helping provide long-term data of this important resource for the Inuvialuit. They are seen here with Lois Harwood, FJMC Acting Chair, at a recognition award dinner in Ulukhaktok. Congratulations!

Inuvialuit Settlement Region | 11 Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope)

Mandate Nanmak Arey created a story booklet that weaves together the The mandate of the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North conservation priorities in the forthcoming WCMP with Inuvialuit Slope) is to provide advice to the appropriate ministers on all matters experience on the YNS. Once the WCMP is released, the booklet will relating to wildlife policy and the management, regulation and be shared online with print copies to the communities/schools in administration of wildlife, habitat and harvesting for the Yukon North Aklavik, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. Slope [Subsection 12.(46) of the IFA]. The Yukon North Slope (YNS) is an area that falls under a special conservation regime with the Danny Gordon’s Story dominate purpose of conservation of wildlife, habitat and traditional WMAC (NS) finalized a video of Danny C Gordon’s story of moving native use. [Subsection 12.(2) of the IFA.] on foot from Alaska to Aklavik, via Qikiqtaruk, with his family. It is an incredible tale and one that highlights the importance of the Yukon WMAC (NS) Activities in 2020/2021 North Slope for the Inuvialuit. This was shared to Facebook and the The year was a challenging one for WMAC (NS), as everyone did their website, resulting in bringing many people together! best to continue their work while caring for family and community during COVID-19. Despite the hardships, work progressed in a number Polar Bear Research of areas, including the Wildlife Conservation and Management Plan, The Inuvialuit-Inupiat Joint Commission has prioritized inclusion of communications and outreach. Another important focus was the Indigenous knowledge in abundance estimates for the Southern continued facilitation of establishment of an Inuvialuit Conservation Beaufort polar bear subpopulation. WMAC (NS), IGC, WMAC (NWT), Area for Aullaviat/Aunguniarvik. Alaska Nannut Co-management Council, and the North Slope Borough are working together to support this project. This was initiated in 2020 Wildlife Management and Conservation Plan with work concluding in the 2021/2022 fiscal year. For several years, WMAC(NS) has been collaborating to develop the new Wildlife Management and Conservation Plan (WMCP). Grizzly Bear Management WMAC(NS) is pleased to be in the final stages of completing this Working with WMAC (NWT), Governments of Yukon and NWT, the body of work. Its goal is to value and conserve the health of wildlife Council is addressing Inuvialuit concerns about the relationship populations, diversity and productivity, wildlife habitat, and Inuvialuit between the current quota system for grizzly bears in the ISR and the Traditional uses of the YNS. number of defense of life and property kills. Adjustments to the ISR grizzly bear quota system will hopefully be in place by 2021/2022. Increased Online Presence In 2020/2021, the Council supported the kick-off of a planning process While travel was limited, the focus shifted to engaging with for a new ISR Grizzly Bear Co-management Plan; an updated version communities and the public online. The Facebook page was used to is expected 2021/2022. keep people up to date about virtual meetings and provide seasonal highlights on major Council projects and news. The number of blog WMAC (NS) Annual Report Now Available posts shared to the News page of the website was also increased. To see the complete WMAC (NS) Annual Report for 2020/2021 online, During the Summer/Fall 2020, WMAC (NS) hired Kayla Nanmak Arey please visit www.wmacns.ca/resources/. to create digital content aimed at engaging Inuvialuit in Yukon North WMAC (NS) Membership Slope research. Science Chats, a video series of 7 conversations with A special note on membership: after more than 30 years as the first researchers, was developed along with supporting blog posts and and only Chair of WMAC (NS), Lindsay Staples stepped down from the photos for the website and Facebook. position in March 2021. Late flash - Jennifer Smith is the new Chair. YNS Conservation Art Booklet Thanks go to Billy Storr as the Acting Chair in the interim. p Working with Inuvialuit artist, Darcie Ouiyaghasiak Bernhardt, Kayla WMAC (NS) Position Membership Jennifer Smith Chair Billy Storr Inuvialuit, IGC Vacant Inuvialuit, IGC Tyler Kuhn Yukon Member Colleen Arnison Canada Member Alternates Evelyn Storr Inuvialuit, IGC Alternate Michelle Gruben Inuvialuit, IGC Alternate Matt Clarke Yukon Alternate

Ivvavik National Park. (Photo: PJay.) Craig Machtans Canada Alternate

12 | Joint Secretariat Wildlife Management Advisory Council ()

Mandate GNWT (ENR) Projects The general mandate of the Wildlife Management Advisory Council • Arctic Borderlands (NWT), is to advise appropriate government agencies, the IGC, HTCs, • Beavers - Management and other co-management boards or councils on policy, legislation, • Caribou - BG and PCH - Body condition and Health regulation and administration respecting wildlife, habitat, harvesting, • Caribou - BG - Monitoring, Management Planning conservation, research, and management in the ISR. • Caribou - Reindeer/Caribou Hybridization • Caribou - PCH Harvest Management Strategy WMAC (NWT) Activities in 2020/2021 • Caribou - PCH Collars (Yukon Government) Due to COVID-19, most of the WMAC (NWT)’s usual business including • Caribou - Peary, Genetics/Body condition meetings and scheduled projects were cancelled, postponed and/or • Data Acquisition adjusted to follow safety guidelines and restrictions However, the • Grizzly Bear - Harvest monitoring staff maintained the daily office operations while working from home; • Muskox - Health monitoring and WMAC (NWT) remained functional and available to conduct its • Muskrats mandate the best way possible until normalcy returns. • Polar Bear - Beaufort Sea Assessment, Viscount Melville For 2020/2021, activities included the following: Meetings; • Wolf - Harvest monitoring Commmunity Conservation Plans; By-law Development Quotas, • Wolverine - Harvest monitoring Seasons and Zones for Wildlife Harvesting; Legislation Affecting CWS Projects Wildlife Management; Research; and Other. • Western Arctic Snow Goose and Brant Banding Program (Banks Legislation Affecting Wildlife Management Island) WMAC (NWT) continues to be involved in the following legislation, • Aerial Survey of Snow Goose Colonies in the ISR (Kendall Island & through comment and advice as required: Anderson River) • ISR Cackling/Canada Goose Traditional Knowledge Federal Species at Risk Act • Banks Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary No. 1 Habitat Assessment - • Proposed up-listing consultations for Dolphin and Union Caribou Fuel Clean-up • Peary caribou recovery strategy • ISR Program Administration • Horned grebe management plan • South and North Beaufort Sea Polar Bear Indigenous Knowledge • Boreal caribou range planning and Integrated Population Model • Grizzy bear management plan • Yellow-banded bumble bee management plan Other Projects • Updating the ISR Grizzly Bear Management Plan Species at Risk (NWT) Act • Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into an Integrated Population • Barren-ground caribou recovery strategy Model for the Northern and Southern Beaufort Subpopulation • Peary caribou status report for re-assessment Estimates • Boreal caribou status report for re-assessment • Dolphin and Union Caribou Management Plan Implementation • Management plan and receovery strategy implementation • Peary Caribou Knowledge Collection p Migratory Birds Convention Act • Biennial updates to Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations WMAC (NWT) Position • Modernization of Migratory Birds Regulations Larry Carpenter Chair • Bird Sanctuary management workshop Rob Gau Vice-Chair, GNWT Member Wildlife Act John Lucas Jr. Inuvialuit Member • Section 15 regulations - boreal caribou harvesting reporting Marsha Branigan GNWT Member • IFA related regulations Eric Reed Canada Member Wildlife Research Projects for 2020/2021 Alternates Wildlife research is essential to WMAC (NWT) in making decisions and Jimmy Kalinek Inuvialuit Alternate recommendations on conservation and quotas. In the ISR, this is primarily Dang-Dang Gruben Inuvialuit Alternate supported by IFA implementation funds, along with regular GNWT (ENR) James Pokiak Inuvialuit Alternate and Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) expenditures and in-kind support. Both propose research programs and priorities for the ISR based on Norman Snowshoe GNWT Alternate continuing consultation with the HTCs. The WMAC (NWT) considers these Joanna Wilson GNWT Alternate proposals, sets the priorities for IFA implementation-funded research each Nathalie Lowry Canada Alternate year, and advises the agencies and the IGC of its recommendations. Inuvialuit Settlement Region | 13 FELIX NUYAVIAK’S Memories of Whale Hunting (Adapted from Memories of the Arctic – Memoirs of Father Robert Le Meur. Chapter 9, pg 100-102. For more information, contact Inuvialuit Cultural Centre.) From Felix Nuyaviak’s days of growing up at Kitigaaryuit, where he remembers how Inuvialuit used kayaks to hunt whales...

“Many were made with wood and the skins of beluga whales and seals. Working as a group, they would herd the whales to shallow waters. As rifles were not in use yet, harpoons were used to harvest them.”

“Then the elders would blow air into an inserted wooden tube through the whales’ skin and blubber. Once inflated with air, they floated and were easy to pull.” FELIX NUYAVIAK’S Once back onshore, work would begin on removing the skin, Memories of Whale Hunting the blubber (muktuk) and the meat. (Adapted from Memories of the Arctic – Memoirs of Father Robert Le Meur. Chapter 9, pg 100-102. For more information, contact Inuvialuit Cultural Centre.) “The meat was cut up and dried. The blubber was put in sealskin bags and then placed in holes in the ground, or in an ice cellar dug into the side of a hill.

In my day, in my youth, muktuk (the blubber) wasn’t cooked like it is now. We learned to do that from the Inupiat (Alaskans), and it seems that this was a habit they’d picked up from the whalers.”

Today people use fiberglass boats with powerful motors (kickers) and guns. But harpoons - with floats - are still used to make sure the whales won’t sink and can be tied for the journey home. p Inuvialuit Settlement Region | 15 Colouring Do you know the Inuvialuktun names of these JS mascots?

Snow Goose – Kanuq Caribou – Tuktu Beluga Whale – Qilalukkat Muskox – Umingmak Berry – Akpiq Polar Bear - Nanuq Char – Ikaluq

Win PRIZES! Share your First What are your Harvest story! favourite moments from the first time you Who accompanied you? Where did you go? went harvesting? What did you harvest and what did you learn? What is your favourite harvesting season, is it for animals or berries?

Send us your stories, drawings, videos and pictures. Winners will be featured in JS social media and in the next newsletter! Submit your stories by October 15th to [email protected], and use the hashtag #JSYouth Beluga whales have babies only once in three FUN FACTS about years. The female Beluga always gives birth to Beluga Whales one calf and nurses it until it’s two years of age.

Beluga whales are also known as the Belugas can canaries of the Beluga whales are dive really ocean because of their deep; a beluga tagged in incredible capability to produce highly social the ISR reached depths of 1.4 different sounds. creatures that like to communicate km (more than 10 football with each other and with other fields deep!) species as well. They live in groups called pods, and they travel together everywhere. Beluga whales can

The Beluga’s neck is can swim move up and down and left and backwards! The word Beluga right. Such incredible comes from the neck flexibility Russian word for helps the whale to spot white, although they are born dark-grey and it takes eight their prey easily. years for them to turn completely white.

Belugas are toothed whales, but they never chew their food. They

swallow their prey.

Inuvialuit Settlement Region | 17 JS Staff - At Work and Play The Joint Secretariat staff continue to work hard on behalf of Inuvialuit beneficiaries and communities. Led by Davonna Kasook, the JS Clean-up Team, participated in the Town of Inuvik Clean-up campaign in June. The crew took time throughout the week to pick up garbage in their designated zone. Proud to have staff who care so much about their community and are willing to do their part in keeping it clean and safe for everyone. In April, the JS staff travelled to Tuktoyaktuk for the Beluga Jamboree, tour of the community, and a trip to climb Ibuk pingo, the 2nd largest pingo in the world! It was a great cultural experience for new employees and an opportunity for staff getting to know each other. Earlier in February, the JS staff showed their support by wearing pink in standing up against bullying. p

Joe Thrasher Jr - First Practicum Student for JS Congratulations Bernice Joe! The Joint Secretariat would like to congratulate Joseph Thrasher Jr for 20 Years with JS completing his 150 hour practicum placement with us, on his way to Bernice Joe started working with the Joint Secretariat on January receiving an Aurora College Office Administration Diploma! 22, 2001. Earlier this year, she was recognized and given a long- As JS’s first ever practicum student, staff appreciated his help and service award. Congratulations! p time in the office. “We hope he will come back and work with us again!” p

18 | Joint Secretariat JS Releases Beluga Harvest Youth Documentary

The Joint Secretariat is pleased to release the Beluga Harvest Youth in the ISR. It will also be shared at the Beluga Summit II taking place in the Project – filmed, edited, produced and managed by Inuvialuit youth Beaufort-Delta once COVID-19 restrictions are eased and safety measures – Shiense Cockney, Anthony Pokiak and Chukita Gruben. This short in place. In the interim, a beluga website is being developed to provide a documentary provides a look at the proper safety procedures and platform, and this documentary as well as other information on beluga hands-on techniques needed to harvest and process beluga whale science and traditional knowledge will be featured on the website. while continuing Inuvialuit traditional knowledge. The Inuvialuit Communications Society provided mentorship in During production, Inuvialuit families, elders and beluga harvesting capacity, training, and using their equipment and profession to experts in Aklavik, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk shared their history, guide the Project Lead Coordinator and Youth Videographers. Joint traditional knowledge and techniques on beluga hunting and Secretariat would like to recognize Dean Arey, Mary Ruth Meyook, harvesting. There was much respect for the conservation and Clara Day, Frank Pokiak and Jim Elias for their wisdom and contributions harvesting of beluga whales to ensure that muqtuq remains an integral to the Project. Many thanks also go to MakeWay, Inuvialuit Game part of Inuvialuit diets throughout the winter and in the future. Council, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and Joint Secretariat for their continuing support. p The Project challenged and empowered Shiense Cockney and Anthony Pokiak, Inuvialuit Youth Videographers, especially during COVID-19. Focused on positive experiences, it gave them a sense of awareness, confidence and pride in their work for this Project. “It pushed us out of our comfort zone to try something new and bold. I was proud to edit the entire documentary into the “rough cut” version,” said Shiense Cockney. “Since young, I have been beluga hunting and harvesting with my family every summer. I am very proud to share my knowledge and experience with youth today,” reflected Anthony Pokiak. “I also believe that this documentary will contribute to filling in knowledge gaps and help families by encouraging more youth to get involved and carry on our cultural ways of life. Educating youth is valuable,” added Chukita Gruben, Project Lead Coordinator. The Beluga Harvest Youth Project will be available on the Joint Secretariat website – www.jointsecretariat.nt.ca with copies provided to the schools Shiense Cockney editing the entire documentary into the “rough cut” version. JS Welcomes Gilly McNaughton! Oceans Day 2021 Gilly McNaughton joined the Joint Secretariat The Oceans Day’s theme in 2021 is One Ocean, One Climate, One Future - Together. in November 2020 as the Traditional and Local Its objective is to promote a better understanding of what the ocean provides and Knowledge Team Lead. A lifelong resident of the acknowledges the importance of these bodies of water through education and NWT with years of experience in the environmental community engagement in the ISR. Since 2002, Oceans Day has rotated amongst the sector, she has an unstoppable passion for nature and 6 Inuvialuit communities. is especially interested in supporting Indigenous-led conservation and culturally and contextually relevant This year, the focus will be on a collaborative Oceans Day publication to commemorate strategies for resource and wildlife stewardship. celebrations and activities from 2002 to today in the ISR. Community members will Inuvik is her hometown, and after attending Memorial be asked “What is your definition on the importance that partnerships play in working Together University in St. John’s, Newfoundland to complete a for our communities?” Responses may come in the form of an email, video Master’s degree focused on Indigenous cultural value conference, interviews, etc. of fish in land claim agreements, she is thrilled to be Meanwhile the Oceans Day Committee is running a Logo Art back in the North. p Contest. The deadline is September 30, 2021. The winning logo will be printed on promotional products. For more information, contact [email protected]. p

Inuvialuit Settlement Region | 19 Communications CANADA POST Joint Secretariat Publication Agreement P.O. Box 2120 43783015 Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0

son - Winner cob of Ja “In ik- u v vi A a h lu p i e t s Su ” Jo n st g e la t sse n s Co

Congratulations to Joseph Avik-Jacobson (left) winner of the “Inuvialuit Sunglasses Contest” featured in the recent JS Newsletter! Congratulations also to second and third place runner ups, Jolie and Raelle Wolki (pictureed below)! “Here is my son Joseph Avik-Jacobson’s submission for the contest. When I asked him what he wants to see in the future for Inuvialuit land protection, he talked about litter. There were no garbage bins on the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway. We also had a discussion on wind and solar energy. It would be a good idea to have those in every Inuvialuit community to help reduce emissions. For an 8 year old, he was very interested in how it works. Thank you.” - Jenny Jacobson p

To get your own copy of the JS Newsletter, email [email protected] or [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!