Inuit associations welcome Ottawa’s decision to not recognize Indigenous rights of NunatuKavut Community Council

By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Inuit associations across Canada say they agree with the federal government’s decision to terminate a negotiation process recognizing the Indigenous rights of a group called NunatuKavut Community Council. The council said that Crown-Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Minister Rebecca Alty ended the negotiations on Sept. 4. “Canada has determined that the evidence submitted does not satisfy the court-established tests for Indigenous rights and title. Canada’s review of NunatuKavut’s claim has included consideration of updated submissions, internal historical and legal analysis, expert reviews, and discussions with NunatuKavut,” said Pascal Laplante, a spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. While the council can still apply for federal programs, services, and partnerships, the group will not be covered by Canadian law on Indigenous