Nunavut and Canadian Arctic Sovereignty

Abstract

The global magnitude of changes occurring in the Arctic and different estimates of potential riches in the region have generated a diverse number of developments resulting in increased action among several states in asserting their claims in the region. This has prompted discourse by interested stakeholders over a variety of Arctic issues. Despite Canada’s persistence in defending its claims and geopolitical interests in the Arctic, there are still unresolved legal and political matters that question Canadian Arctic sovereignty. Policies undertaken by the Government of Canada to handle the security, sovereignty, and fundamental developments in the North that affect economic, social, political, and environmental settings raise the question of Northerners’ involvement and the role of subnational entities in the strengthening of Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic. At the same time, existing discourse on Canada’s Arctic sovereignty also reveals various perceptions on sovereignty where Arctic Indigenous peoples, subnational units, and other Northerners are concerned. At the outset, this essay examines Northerners’ approaches to sovereignty. Further, by looking at the example of Nunavut, the territory populated by an Inuit majority, this essay explores its interests and the place of this jurisdiction in Canada’s Arctic sovereignty claim and Northern policies.