Mayors from two Qikiqtaaluk communities representing the North Baffin Community Group are advising that SA国际影视传媒渢rouble is brewingSA国际影视传媒� as the proposed expansion of the Mary River iron mine is pitting five affected communities against their regional Inuit association.
photo courtesy of Baffinland Iron Mines
The communique, circulated on Tuesday evening, critiques the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and its president, P.J. Akeeagok, for signing an in June.
SA国际影视传媒淭he agreement commits the (QIA) to supporting the phase two expansion of the Mary River mine, provided certain conditions are met,SA国际影视传媒� the news release reads. SA国际影视传媒淭he agreement, signed without consent of the affected communities, appears headed for a rough ride.SA国际影视传媒�
The memorandum, which indicates Pond Inlet Mayor Joshua Arreak and Iglulik Mayor Merlyn Recinos can be contacted for further information, states that a July 17 teleconference among the affected communities SA国际影视传媒渞evealed considerable discomfortSA国际影视传媒� with the Inuit Certainty Agreement. The other communities in question are Arctic Bay, Sanirajak and Clyde River.
The expansion of the mine, along with the increased shipping and the railway that would accompany it, could threaten the well-being of narwhal, caribou and other animals, according to the news release.
SA国际影视传媒淣ot satisfied with research conducted into potential impacts of the project, affected communities
want the environmental assessment process to slow down,SA国际影视传媒� the document states, adding that Baffinland and the QIA stand to benefit financially from greater mine production.
SA国际影视传媒淐oncerns about investor confidence are driving a process with inter-generational implications for the social and cultural well-being of Inuit hunters and their families, dependent on sea mammals and other resources in the region,SA国际影视传媒� the news release reads.
The affected communities are relaying their concerns to the Nunavut Impact Review Board and federal cabinet ministers who are ultimately responsible for acting on the BoardSA国际影视传媒檚 recommendations, according to the news release.
