Inuvialuit Final Agreement
The Inuvialuit Final Agreement: An Overview
The Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA) is a comprehensive land claims agreement that was signed in 1984 between the Canadian government and the Inuvialuit people of the western Arctic region. The agreement, which covers over 90,000 square miles of land, waters, and islands, represents a significant milestone in the history of Indigenous peoples` rights and land claims in Canada.
The IFA is intended to provide the Inuvialuit people with greater control over their land and resources, and to ensure that they receive a fair share of the benefits derived from economic development in the region. It also recognizes the Inuvialuit people`s traditional way of life and their cultural heritage, and provides for the protection and preservation of the environment.
One of the key features of the IFA is the creation of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), which covers the western Arctic region of Canada. The ISR is divided into six community corporations, each of which is responsible for managing land and resources in its area.
The IFA also provides for the establishment of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), which is responsible for implementing the agreement and representing the Inuvialuit people in negotiations with the Canadian government and industry partners.
In addition to land and resource management, the IFA also includes provisions for economic development, education, health, and social welfare. The agreement requires the Canadian government to provide funding for these areas, as well as for the establishment of a wildlife management authority to protect and preserve the region`s wildlife.
Overall, the Inuvialuit Final Agreement represents a significant milestone in the history of Indigenous peoples` rights and land claims in Canada. It recognizes the Inuvialuit people`s traditional way of life and their cultural heritage, and provides for their greater control over their land and resources. It also ensures that the Inuvialuit people receive a fair share of the benefits derived from economic development in the region, and provides for the protection and preservation of the environment.