The Governance & Regulation of Nunavut Archaeology

Shared Governance

The Nunavut Agreement established a shared governance structure for Nunavut archaeology. Representing Inuit interests, Inuit Heritage Trust (IHT) works alongside the Government of Nunavut's (GN) Department of Culture and Heritage (CH) to ensure the protection and preservation of Nunavut's archaeological sites.

Putting the Nunavut Agreement in action, in 2023 IHT's Archaeology Guidelines were released.

Nunavut Agreement Article 33

33.2.1 The archaeological record of the Inuit of the Nunavut Settlement Area is a record of Inuit use and occupancy of lands and resources through time. The evidence associated with their use and occupancy represents a cultural, historical and ethnographic heritage of Inuit society and, as such, Government recognizes that Inuit have a special relationship with such evidence which shall be expressed in terms of special rights and responsibilities.

Nunavut Agreement Article 33

33.2.3 Government responsibilities for the management and conservation of archaeological sites and specimens shall be balanced with Inuit responsibilities for the same.

Nunavut Agreement Article 33

33.4.3 The Trust shall assume increasing responsibilities for supporting, encouraging, and facilitating the conservation, maintenance, restoration and display of archaeological sites and specimens in the Nunavut Settlement Area, in addition to any other functions set out in the Agreement.

Nunavut Agreement Article 33

33.3.1 The Trust shall be invited to participate in developing government policy and legislation on archaeology in the Nunavut Settlement Area.