Inuit-Crown partnership in Canada is being prioritized

Trisha Matabalan, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
July 1, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Prime Minister of Canada/Facebook)

CANADA – On June 30, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney met with both the President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Rebecca Alty. They prioritized electing Inuit leadership from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivvik, and the Nunatsiavut Government in order to advance the shared priorities for the Inuit Nunangat.

Further, Carney asserted the federal government’s plan of supporting Inuit Nunangat, which included a $40 billion budget to defend, build, and transform Canada’s Northern and Arctic region. President Obed also emphasized the significance of Inuit partners in decision-making in order to present an approach informed by Inuit culture and knowledge.

“Now in its 10th year, the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee remains a critical space for advancing shared priorities. It is how we work together with Canada to secure a strong future for Inuit and to put in place the investments needed to create prosperity in Inuit Nunangat. Inuit remain determined to work collaboratively with this government to build this country and build the Arctic we both want,” President Obed stated.

During this meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown partnership. They specifically focused on the “central role of Inuit in shaping the future of the Arctic, including Arctic sovereignty, defence and security, Arctic foreign policy, and global leadership.”

They also stated that improving the Inuit’s quality of life remained one of the most important reasons for the meeting. With that, they discussed food security and housing, and took note of the improvements made since the last meeting held by Carney and Obed in 2025.