Trudeau visits Nunavut for largest land transfer in Canadian history
As a child growing up in Canada’s northernmost community, P. J. Akeeagok wanted to be a water truck driver.
In Grise Fiord, a community on Nunavut’s Ellesmere Island where just 145 people live as of the 2021 census, the water truck driver served as a role model who delivered an essential public service.
Akeeagok’s public-service instincts led him in a different direction: the 39-year-old is now the country’s youngest premier, leading the federation’s youngest territory.
And on Thursday, he inked his name to an agreement with the federal government on that he hopes will open up more opportunities for coming generations.
Akeeagok and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with other signatories, finalized on Thursday what is formally called the “Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement.”
Simply put, the agreement transfers powers over public lands, waters and the non-renewable resources each contain to the territory and — more importantly — away from the federal government.
The Northwest Territories and Yukon went through similar processes, known formally as devolution, years ago.
Sitting in his office for an interview the day before the official ceremony, which included performances by Inuit drummers and throat singers, Akeeagok said Nunavut’s signing signifies the start of an exciting few years.
Its residents, most of whom are Inuit, will become the decision-makers over their own physical territory.
“What better stewards than the people who call Nunavut home,” he said Wednesday.
One thing the agreement will signal, he said, is the creation of new jobs. It also opens the door to Nunavut gaining new sources of revenue, such as those from resource development.
It’s the largest land transfer in Canadian history.
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