Nunavut's fourth national park, Ukkusiksalik National Park, has expanded by 327 square kilometers thanks to an exchange of land between the Government of Canada and the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA).

The 20,500 square kilometer park is located on the northwest shore of Hudson Bay in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, near the community of Repulse Bay. The KIA and the Government of Canada have completed a mutually beneficial land exchange including Crown lands and Inuit-owned land under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA). The KIA transferred the parcel of land within Ukkusiksalik National Park, located on the eastern shore of Wager Bay, to the Crown. The transfer will result in this culturally and archaeologically significant land becoming part of the park, benefitting all Inuit and Nunavummiut from its conservation.

In exchange, the Government of Canada transferred two parcels of Crown land to the KIA, one located just west of Baker Lake and one northeast of Repulse Bay. The KIA will benefit from the economic development potential contained in both parcels of land.

Quick facts

• Signed on July 9, 1993, Nunavut Land Claims Agreement is the largest Aboriginal land claim settlement in Canadian history.
• The process to exchange the ownership of the three parcels of land took effect on November 1, 2013.
• In addition to a reversing waterfall and 500 archeological sites, Ukkusiksalik National Park is home to polar bears, grizzly bears, arctic wolf, caribou, seals and Peregrine falcons.
• The KIA represents Inuit of the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut in the development, protection, administration and advancement of their rights and benefits as Aboriginal people.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to implementing the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and recognizes the significance of this milestone for Inuit and all Nunavummiut. This announcement is a great example of what can be achieved when all parties commit to working together."

- Bernard Valcourt
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister

"The expansion of Ukkusiksalik National Park through this land transfer with the Kivalliq Inuit Association will provide enhanced environmental protection for this magnificent landscape, while at the same time providing exciting economic opportunities."

- Leona Aglukkaq
Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

"I am very pleased that this exchange has been completed. This exchange was a result of consultation with Inuit and negotiation between various levels of government and the KIA which will benefit Inuit."

- David Ningeongan
Kivalliq Inuit Association President

src:news.gc.ca