Archived - Implementation of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement Annual Review 1995-1996

The implementation of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement over the last 12 years has provided the parties to the Agreement, the Inuvialuit and the federal and territorial governments, with opportunities to build a lasting partnership based on fairness, the recognition of rights and participation in the decision-making process.

This annual review of the implementation of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement demonstrates continuing progress in implementing the provisions of the Agreement, the first comprehensive land claims agreement in the Northwest Territories. Information was compiled from the Inuvialuit and joint management structures established under the Agreement, and from various sources within the federal and territorial governments.

The many accomplishments of 1995-1996 include the following:

• The Wildlife Management Advisory Council-North Slope and Environment Canada co-ordinated the first annual gathering of the North Yukon Ecological Knowledge Co-operative as a component of the National Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Network. Over 30 participants, representing 22 agencies in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, worked together for two days to establish a system for ecosystem monitoring which will be relevant and feasible in the northern Yukon.
• The Environmental Impact Screening Committee screened the largest number of project applications since the Committee began its operations in 1986.
• The Fisheries Joint Management Committee held public meetings to solicit community input on fish and marine mammal management and to report on the progress of various projects.
• The Hunters and Trappers Committees worked closely with community members to assess community needs and to contribute to the development of wildlife management plans and legislation.

In 1995-1996, all parties demonstrated their ongoing commitment to the effective implementation of the Agreement. I remain confident the parties will continue to work together in the coming years to achieve long-term goals and to ensure the Inuvialuit Final Agreement provides lasting benefits for current and future generations of Inuvialuit.

The Honourable Jane Stewart, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

The Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA) was brought into force and effect by the Western Arctic (Inuvialuit) Claims Settlement Act in 1984.

• The Agreement provides the Inuvialuit with fee simple absolute title to approximately 91,000 square kilometres of land in the Western Arctic, including approximately 13,000 square kilometres on which they have title to surface and subsurface rights. The Inuvialuit Settlement Region includes the northernmost reaches of the Yukon Territory, known as the North Slope, the eastern half of the Beaufort Sea, some of the Arctic Ocean, Banks Island, much of the western part of Victoria Island and some of the Parry Islands (see map of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Appendix 1).
  
  
• Participants to the Agreement are enrolled by an enrolment authority composed of one federal government and two Inuvialuit representatives. The official enrolment list is maintained by the Inuvialuit.
  
  
• Under the provisions of the IFA, the Inuvialuit will receive a total of $152 million over 14 years, ending in 1997. As of March 31, 1996, the Inuvialuit had received payments totalling $120 million. The Agreement also provided for one-time payments, made in 1984, of $7.5 million to a fund to assist the Inuvialuit in social development and $10 million to the Economic Enhancement Fund Since 1984, the Economic Enhancement Fund has assisted the Inuvialuit to become more actively involved in the local economy and to make long-term investments that will provide a solid base for future development.
  
  
• In the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, the Inuvialuit have extensive wildlife harvesting rights, as well as a mechanism for adjudicating claims against developers for harvest losses.
  
  Structures were established under the Agreement to ensure Inuvialuit participation in wildlife management, conservation and environmental protection, including six community-based Inuvialuit Hunters and Trappers Committees (HTC s) and the Inuvialuit Game Council (IGC).
  
  Five joint advisory bodies, having equal government and Inuvialuit representation, were also established under the Agreement. The Environmental Impact Screening Committee (EISC) evaluates the need foe environmental impact assessment while the Environmental Impact Review Board (EIRB) carries out any required reviews. The Fisheries Joint Management Committee (FJMC) advises the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) on matters pertaining to fisheries and marine mammals in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. The Wildlife Management Advisory Council - Northwest Territories (WMAC-NT) and the Wildlife Management Advisory Council North Slope (WMAC-NS) advise on wildlife conservancy matters in the Northwest Territories and Yukon North Slope respectively.
  
  
• Various Inuvialuit corporations were established under the Agreement to administer and manage settlement funds, lands and other benefits. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is responsible for co-ordinating implementation activities and comprises representatives from Inuvialuit community corporations corresponding to the six Inuvialuit communities. The Inuvialuit Land Corporation administers settlement lands. The Inuvialuit Development Corporation and the Inuvialuit Investment Corporation are responsible for business activities and the investment of settlement funds on behalf of the Inuvialuit.

2.1 Inuvialuit Game Council

The IGC, comprising representatives from each HTC, reviews government wildlife research proposals and projects within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Council members set funding priorities for these and other projects related to wildlife and the environment.

In 1995-1996, council members attended three major workshops in Inuvik: a contaminants workshop, the Circumpolar Aboriginal People and Co-management Practices workshop and the Environmental Impact Assessment workshop.

At the local level, council members were involved in negotiations to establish the Tuktut Nogait National Park. Considerable time was spent on environmental and contaminant issues, and on mining initiatives in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

In 1995-1996, greater demands were placed on council members to deal with national and international matters. At the national level, these included the federal Firearms Act and the territorial Wildlife Act regulations, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Network. At the international level, the Council assisted the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada with the development of fur and seal position papers presented to the European Parliament, and was involved in lobbying efforts to protect the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou herd.

2.2 Hunters and Trappers Committee

Each of the six Inuvialuit communities of Inuvik, Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, Holman, Paulatuk and Sachs Harbour is represented by an HTC. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is responsible for the administrative and operational costs of the HTCs. In 1995-1996, the committees were involved in many activities, and representatives of the HTCs in Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk and Holman attended the three workshops in Inuvik.

• The Inuvik HTC was actively involved in issues related to species management, including grizzly bear, wolf, lynx, Barren Ground Caribou, and beluga. The Committee assisted elders and the needy by providing country goods such as muskox and char, and was involved in hunter and guide training, and the beluga satellite tagging project in 1995.
  
  
• The Aklavik HTC administered the Community Harvesters Assistance Program, was involved in other projects in 1995-1996, including a fisheries project, muskox survey, and assisted the Bowhead Committee with its purchase of a boat for the harvest of bowhead whales. Committee members also participated in several workshops and sent representatives to Kaktovik, Alaska, to develop a muskox management plan for the North Slope. The resource person completed the Community Administration Certificate Program.
  
  
• The Tuktoyaktuk HTC was involved in the beluga tagging project, whale monitoring, and a gun and boat safety program at the local school. Several members attended the Guide Level I training course.
  
  
• The Holman HTC held meetings with the DFO and the FJMC to discuss a fish implementation plan, a spawning grounds project proposal and community char harvesting. The Committee also addressed gun control legislation, environmental sensitivity mapping and exploration activity on Victoria Island.
  
  
• The Paulatuk HTC held eight meetings in 1995-1996, and dealt with regulatory and policy matters including by-laws and guidelines for Barren Ground Caribou, grizzly and polar bear, lynx, wolf, muskox, and beluga; policies for sport hunting and Paulatuk fisheries; research proposals; mineral explorations; firearms legislation; and park negotiations. In addition, a Big-Game Guiding Level II course was conducted in Paulatuk and five trainees graduated.
  
  
• The Sachs Harbour HTC made arrangements for a harvest of caribou to supplement community requirements. The Park Management Committee was established to develop a management plan for Aulavik National Park. The HTC also dealt with the company Canadian River Expeditions for Aulavik National Park, made arrangements for a part-time assistant Inuvialuit lands administrator and participated in research regarding Banks Island.

3.1 Joint Secretariat

The Joint Secretariat was established by the Inuvialuit, the GNWT and the federal government to provide administrative and technical support services to the IGC and other wildlife and environmental co-management bodies. The Secretariat administers funding for these bodies, provides administrative and technical support, serves as a focus for information relating to their activities, and performs the library and data collection duties which are the mandate of the Research Advisory Council.

The Secretariat held one teleconference, one regular meeting and an annual general meeting in 1995-1996. The Secretariat also experienced four staffing changes, with one position left to be filled as of March 31, 1996. The new position of Environment Resource Person was also staffed. Two Renewable Resource Technology students from Arctic College were hired as assistants for a nine-week period, in an initiative co-sponsored by the Secretariat and the local Canada Employment Centre of Human Resources Development Canada.

The Secretariat participated in the organization of the three workshops held in Inuvik, and staff participated in several other meetings and conferences. The Secretariat maintained liaisons with governments, industry and other agencies, and was active in providing financial advice and services to each of the HTCs.

3.2 Arbitration Board

The Arbitration Board serves as a quasi-judicial body to resolve disputes among the Inuvialuit, Canada and industry that may arise out of the interpretation, application or implementation of the IFA. The board also has jurisdiction to arbitrate enrolment disputes resulting from the publication of the official beneficiary enrolment list.

At the annual meeting in March 1996, members received training on the role of arbitration tribunal members, and were apprised of the latest jurisprudence in arbitration law. The decision of the Federal Court of Appeal regarding awards given by the board was assessed, and rules for the board were finalized.

3.3 Environmental Impact Screening Committee

All development proposals within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region are screened by the EISC to assess potential effects on wildlife harvesting and the environment. Any proposal that may have a significant negative impact is referred to the EIRB, or other appropriate review bodies, for a public environmental impact assessment.

The EISC held five meetings and one teleconference in 1995-1996. Early in the year, the normal functions of the EISC were suspended due to the Inuvialuit participation costs dispute and a delay in federal Governor in Council appointments of federal members. As a consequence, a number of industrial activities, research programs and commercial tourism ventures were postponed, cancelled or modified to exclude activity on Crown land within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

Seventy-seven project descriptions were submitted to the Committee, the largest annual number received since the EISC began operations in 1986. Committee members screened 43 project descriptions and determined that 39 of the projects would have no significant negative impacts, while four were deficient and warranted the submission of another project description. Twenty-four projects were deemed exempt from screening, and two screenings were deferred to 1996-1997. As a result of the Inuvialuit participation costs dispute, seven submissions were voluntarily withdrawn.

One major submission on the clean-up and restoration of Distant Early Warning Line sites was accepted as a general overview of proposed initiatives, subject to the screening of all related permits and/or licences on specific sites.

In November 1995, an agreement was reached between the Inuvialuit and DIAND on the process to be used for the issuance of mineral prospecting licences and permits. Under this agreement, the EISC is responsible for conducting an annual review of DIAND's permit and licence process.

3.4 Environmental Impact Review Board

The EIRB is responsible for conducting public environmental reviews of development projects and for making recommendations about whether projects should proceed and, if so, under what terms and conditions. The board also recommends measures to minimize negative impacts on wildlife harvesting and recommends liability limits for the developer if wildlife compensation is an issue.

The EIRB met twice in 1995-1996, primarily to deal with the impacts of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the Nunavut, Gwich'in, Sahtu and Council for Yukon Indians comprehensive land claim agreements on the IFA.

In November 1995, board members met with practitioners of environmental assessment from other regions and countries during the Circumpolar Aboriginal People and Co-management Practices workshop held in Inuvik. Board members were able to share the experience they have gained over the last 10 years with members and staff of the Nunavut Impact Review Board Transition Team.

3.5 Wildlife Management Advisory Council - Northwest Territories

The WMAC-NT provides advice concerning wildlife management in the Western Arctic region of the Northwest Territories to Inuvialuit and government agencies responsible for wildlife management. In addition, the WMAC-NT prepares wildlife conservation and management plans for the Western Arctic region recommending appropriate wildlife harvest quotas.

In 1995-1996, the WMAC-NT experienced an increase in its activities, and substantial progress was made in accomplishing some of its long-term goals. Four regular council meetings were held, and council members and staff participated in a variety of other activities.

The council continued to be involved in the implementation of recommendations from the December 1994 workshop on protected areas in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Time and effort were directed to the recommendation to establish a national wildlife area on Victoria Island. In 1995-1996, tentative approval was received from community organizations, and further consultation with local and regional Inuvialuit organizations was planned for 1996-1997. The council has also undertaken a status review of the implementation of all recommendations from the workshop, and the results are expected to be ready early in 1996-1997.

Four new by-laws were reviewed by the WMAC-NT and subsequently approved by the IGC and the affected HTCs. The communities of Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour and Holman were affected by three of the new by-laws, which dealt with the management of muskoxen. The fourth by-law dealt with the management of grizzly bear harvesting by members of the community of Inuvik. The signing of the by-law by the Inuvik HTC marked the completion of seven years of work to regulate the harvesting of grizzly bears throughout the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

All six HTC polar bear by-laws were amended at the request of the WMAC-NT to correct deficiencies that prevented the by-laws from fully reflecting the original intent of the Inuvialuit Community Polar Bear Management Agreements.

Changes to the wildlife harvesting quota for muskoxen on Banks Island and for grizzly bears harvested by Paulatuk community members were recommended by the WMAC-NT and accepted by the GNWT Department of Renewable Resources. The successful community-level management of grizzly bears was also acknowledged.

There were no large-scale commercial harvesting activities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region in 1995-1996. Recent research has indicated a strong possibility of direct competitive interaction for food resources between muskoxen and Peary Caribou. The WMAC-NT concluded that the best option for protecting the endangered Peary Caribou is the resumption of commercial muskox harvesting. The council will monitor the impact of commercial harvesting interests on muskoxen and caribou populations.

The council continued its active role in supporting changes to the Migratory Birds Convention to allow the spring hunting of migratory birds. The WMAC-NT assisted the HTCs to prepare for the development of by-laws managing the spring hunt.

Four pieces of legislation affecting wildlife management in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region were addressed in 1995-1996. These were proposed federal wild animal and plant protection legislation, the territorial Wildlife Act, the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act and proposed federal endangered species legislation.

The council also continued to monitor the activities of the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species and the World Conservation Union.

In response to strong recommendations contained in all six community conservation plans, the council placed a high priority on the development of species management plans. The council participated in a tour of all the communities and presented the objectives of the Bluenose Caribou Management Plan. Comments and concerns about the harvesting and management of the herd were incorporated into a draft plan. Both the Western Arctic Region Wolf Management Plan and the Bluenose Caribou Management Plan are expected to be completed in 1996-1997.

3.6 Wildlife Management Advisory Council - North Slope

The WMAC-NS is the counterpart of the WMAC-NT for the North Slope region in the Yukon, which forms part of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. The council advises Inuvialuit and government agencies on wildlife and habitat conservation issues, including forwarding North Slope park management recommendations to the appropriate government ministers. The council also establishes harvest quotas, makes recommendations to the IGC and reviews proposals for IFA-funded research projects on wildlife management.

In 1995-1996, five meetings and one teleconference were held. In addition, WMAC-NS members attended a number of other meetings and conferences including the Circumpolar Aboriginal People and Co-management Practices workshop in Inuvik, the National Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Network second national science meeting in Halifax, the first annual gathering of the North Yukon Ecological Knowledge Co-operative in Whitehorse and meetings of the IGC.

Volume 1 of the Yukon North Slope Wildlife Conservation and Management Plan was completed, providing an introduction to the land, its people and resources. The plan was distributed to over 350 agencies and individuals. Volume 2, which includes the goals and implementation strategy of the plan and species status reports, is in the final stages of production.

The WMAC-NS continued to support initiatives to stop the prospect of oil exploration and drilling in the "1002 lands" of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by making a financial contribution to the lobbying efforts of the Porcupine Caribou Management Board.

As a component of the National Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Network, the WMAC-NS and Environment Canada co-ordinated the first annual gathering of the North Yukon Ecological Knowledge Co-operative. Representatives of 22 agencies in the Yukon and Northwest Territories worked together to establish a system for ecosystem monitoring that will be relevant and feasible in the northern Yukon. The WMAC-NS was also active in developing the North Yukon Ecological Knowledge Co-operative Database, a comprehensive documentation of research reports and studies on the northern Yukon. The database has been distributed to various agencies with interests in the northern Yukon and will be updated annually.

The council reviewed and recommended changes to grizzly bear quotas for the Yukon North Slope, and developed options for the establishment of a hunting quota for muskoxen. The council also prepared a draft muskox management plan for the Yukon North Slope to ensure the conservation of the muskox population while addressing the needs of the resident Inuvialuit. The WMAC-NS facilitated two public meetings in Aklavik to discuss the draft plan.

The WMAC-NS initiated a series of meetings addressing amendments to the Yukon Wildlife Act required by inconsistencies and gaps with provisions of the IFA.

The WMAC-NS facilitated a Geographic Information System (GIS) workshop for Parks Canada, the YTG, the Joint Secretariat and Environment Canada as a forum to exchange information on the content and status of GIS-related projects and activities in the Yukon North Slope. The council also continued producing a newsletter to inform Inuvialuit communities about the council's activities, and to provide updates on issues of community interest.

3.7 Fisheries Joint Management Committee

The FJMC assists the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in the management of fish and marine mammals found in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, and provides advice on all matters affecting fisheries based on those resources. The FJMC works closely with government agencies, renewable resource user groups in the Inuvialuit communities and other renewable resource boards in Canada and Alaska which oversee common migratory stocks.

In keeping with the co-management philosophy of the IFA, consultation with local HTCs, the IGC, DFO and other government agencies was an important part of the Committee's activities in 1995-1996.

To foster local involvement in the management of research projects, the Committee used direct contracts with HTCs for the operation of some inventory projects, involved HTC members in all non-contracted projects and supported training modules in projects wherever possible. The Committee also encouraged the establishment of the private-sector Inuvik Aging Lab and used its services for all fish aging work, as well as for some project delivery.

The FJMC held six meetings and several teleconferences during 1995-1996. One regular meeting was held in Winnipeg to allow committee members to meet with scientists at the Freshwater Institute and senior DFO Central and Arctic region managers. The Committee also held public meetings in Paulatuk, Holman and Sachs Harbour to report on the progress of specific projects and to identify issues and concerns related to fish and marine mammal management.

The Committee was active in numerous monitoring and research activities. Broad whitefish spawning areas were identified and the analysis of the commercial fishery was finalized. Char monitoring was carried out at Holman, Paulatuk and Shingle Point, and the char enhancement potential of the Big Fish River was evaluated. Other activities included monitoring ringed seal in the vicinity of Holman, assessing arsenic and mercury levels of fish caught in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and examining the consumption patterns of beluga muktuk (the outer layer of beluga skin and fat).

In co-operation with the HTCs, the Committee continued the beluga harvest monitoring program. HTC whale monitors were located in each of the active whaling camps of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and collected biological information from each whale harvested, as well as materials for aging and other lab analysis. Committee staff provided program and logistic support, co-ordinated the collection of biological specimens and collated all data.

The Committee continued its support for the sampling of fish and marine mammals for contaminant analysis. The analysis of beluga blood, tissue and organ samples collected during 1994 and 1995 was completed and the results were presented to the IGC. Lake trout and inconnu (also known as conny) from Ya Ya Lake were also assessed.

3.1 Joint Secretariat

The Joint Secretariat was established by the Inuvialuit, the GNWT and the federal government to provide administrative and technical support services to the IGC and other wildlife and environmental co-management bodies. The Secretariat administers funding for these bodies, provides administrative and technical support, serves as a focus for information relating to their activities, and performs the library and data collection duties which are the mandate of the Research Advisory Council.

The Secretariat held one teleconference, one regular meeting and an annual general meeting in 1995-1996. The Secretariat also experienced four staffing changes, with one position left to be filled as of March 31, 1996. The new position of Environment Resource Person was also staffed. Two Renewable Resource Technology students from Arctic College were hired as assistants for a nine-week period, in an initiative co-sponsored by the Secretariat and the local Canada Employment Centre of Human Resources Development Canada.

The Secretariat participated in the organization of the three workshops held in Inuvik, and staff participated in several other meetings and conferences. The Secretariat maintained liaisons with governments, industry and other agencies, and was active in providing financial advice and services to each of the HTCs.

3.2 Arbitration Board

The Arbitration Board serves as a quasi-judicial body to resolve disputes among the Inuvialuit, Canada and industry that may arise out of the interpretation, application or implementation of the IFA. The board also has jurisdiction to arbitrate enrolment disputes resulting from the publication of the official beneficiary enrolment list.

At the annual meeting in March 1996, members received training on the role of arbitration tribunal members, and were apprised of the latest jurisprudence in arbitration law. The decision of the Federal Court of Appeal regarding awards given by the board was assessed, and rules for the board were finalized.

3.3 Environmental Impact Screening Committee

All development proposals within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region are screened by the EISC to assess potential effects on wildlife harvesting and the environment. Any proposal that may have a significant negative impact is referred to the EIRB, or other appropriate review bodies, for a public environmental impact assessment.

The EISC held five meetings and one teleconference in 1995-1996. Early in the year, the normal functions of the EISC were suspended due to the Inuvialuit participation costs dispute and a delay in federal Governor in Council appointments of federal members. As a consequence, a number of industrial activities, research programs and commercial tourism ventures were postponed, cancelled or modified to exclude activity on Crown land within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

Seventy-seven project descriptions were submitted to the Committee, the largest annual number received since the EISC began operations in 1986. Committee members screened 43 project descriptions and determined that 39 of the projects would have no significant negative impacts, while four were deficient and warranted the submission of another project description. Twenty-four projects were deemed exempt from screening, and two screenings were deferred to 1996-1997. As a result of the Inuvialuit participation costs dispute, seven submissions were voluntarily withdrawn.

One major submission on the clean-up and restoration of Distant Early Warning Line sites was accepted as a general overview of proposed initiatives, subject to the screening of all related permits and/or licences on specific sites.

In November 1995, an agreement was reached between the Inuvialuit and DIAND on the process to be used for the issuance of mineral prospecting licences and permits. Under this agreement, the EISC is responsible for conducting an annual review of DIAND's permit and licence process.

3.4 Environmental Impact Review Board

The EIRB is responsible for conducting public environmental reviews of development projects and for making recommendations about whether projects should proceed and, if so, under what terms and conditions. The board also recommends measures to minimize negative impacts on wildlife harvesting and recommends liability limits for the developer if wildlife compensation is an issue.

The EIRB met twice in 1995-1996, primarily to deal with the impacts of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the Nunavut, Gwich'in, Sahtu and Council for Yukon Indians comprehensive land claim agreements on the IFA.

In November 1995, board members met with practitioners of environmental assessment from other regions and countries during the Circumpolar Aboriginal People and Co-management Practices workshop held in Inuvik. Board members were able to share the experience they have gained over the last 10 years with members and staff of the Nunavut Impact Review Board Transition Team.

3.5 Wildlife Management Advisory Council - Northwest Territories

The WMAC-NT provides advice concerning wildlife management in the Western Arctic region of the Northwest Territories to Inuvialuit and government agencies responsible for wildlife management. In addition, the WMAC-NT prepares wildlife conservation and management plans for the Western Arctic region recommending appropriate wildlife harvest quotas.

In 1995-1996, the WMAC-NT experienced an increase in its activities, and substantial progress was made in accomplishing some of its long-term goals. Four regular council meetings were held, and council members and staff participated in a variety of other activities.

The council continued to be involved in the implementation of recommendations from the December 1994 workshop on protected areas in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Time and effort were directed to the recommendation to establish a national wildlife area on Victoria Island. In 1995-1996, tentative approval was received from community organizations, and further consultation with local and regional Inuvialuit organizations was planned for 1996-1997. The council has also undertaken a status review of the implementation of all recommendations from the workshop, and the results are expected to be ready early in 1996-1997.

Four new by-laws were reviewed by the WMAC-NT and subsequently approved by the IGC and the affected HTCs. The communities of Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour and Holman were affected by three of the new by-laws, which dealt with the management of muskoxen. The fourth by-law dealt with the management of grizzly bear harvesting by members of the community of Inuvik. The signing of the by-law by the Inuvik HTC marked the completion of seven years of work to regulate the harvesting of grizzly bears throughout the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

All six HTC polar bear by-laws were amended at the request of the WMAC-NT to correct deficiencies that prevented the by-laws from fully reflecting the original intent of the Inuvialuit Community Polar Bear Management Agreements.

Changes to the wildlife harvesting quota for muskoxen on Banks Island and for grizzly bears harvested by Paulatuk community members were recommended by the WMAC-NT and accepted by the GNWT Department of Renewable Resources. The successful community-level management of grizzly bears was also acknowledged.

There were no large-scale commercial harvesting activities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region in 1995-1996. Recent research has indicated a strong possibility of direct competitive interaction for food resources between muskoxen and Peary Caribou. The WMAC-NT concluded that the best option for protecting the endangered Peary Caribou is the resumption of commercial muskox harvesting. The council will monitor the impact of commercial harvesting interests on muskoxen and caribou populations.

The council continued its active role in supporting changes to the Migratory Birds Convention to allow the spring hunting of migratory birds. The WMAC-NT assisted the HTCs to prepare for the development of by-laws managing the spring hunt.

Four pieces of legislation affecting wildlife management in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region were addressed in 1995-1996. These were proposed federal wild animal and plant protection legislation, the territorial Wildlife Act, the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act and proposed federal endangered species legislation.

The council also continued to monitor the activities of the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species and the World Conservation Union.

In response to strong recommendations contained in all six community conservation plans, the council placed a high priority on the development of species management plans. The council participated in a tour of all the communities and presented the objectives of the Bluenose Caribou Management Plan. Comments and concerns about the harvesting and management of the herd were incorporated into a draft plan. Both the Western Arctic Region Wolf Management Plan and the Bluenose Caribou Management Plan are expected to be completed in 1996-1997.

3.6 Wildlife Management Advisory Council - North Slope

The WMAC-NS is the counterpart of the WMAC-NT for the North Slope region in the Yukon, which forms part of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. The council advises Inuvialuit and government agencies on wildlife and habitat conservation issues, including forwarding North Slope park management recommendations to the appropriate government ministers. The council also establishes harvest quotas, makes recommendations to the IGC and reviews proposals for IFA-funded research projects on wildlife management.

In 1995-1996, five meetings and one teleconference were held. In addition, WMAC-NS members attended a number of other meetings and conferences including the Circumpolar Aboriginal People and Co-management Practices workshop in Inuvik, the National Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Network second national science meeting in Halifax, the first annual gathering of the North Yukon Ecological Knowledge Co-operative in Whitehorse and meetings of the IGC.

Volume 1 of the Yukon North Slope Wildlife Conservation and Management Plan was completed, providing an introduction to the land, its people and resources. The plan was distributed to over 350 agencies and individuals. Volume 2, which includes the goals and implementation strategy of the plan and species status reports, is in the final stages of production.

The WMAC-NS continued to support initiatives to stop the prospect of oil exploration and drilling in the "1002 lands" of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by making a financial contribution to the lobbying efforts of the Porcupine Caribou Management Board.

As a component of the National Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Network, the WMAC-NS and Environment Canada co-ordinated the first annual gathering of the North Yukon Ecological Knowledge Co-operative. Representatives of 22 agencies in the Yukon and Northwest Territories worked together to establish a system for ecosystem monitoring that will be relevant and feasible in the northern Yukon. The WMAC-NS was also active in developing the North Yukon Ecological Knowledge Co-operative Database, a comprehensive documentation of research reports and studies on the northern Yukon. The database has been distributed to various agencies with interests in the northern Yukon and will be updated annually.

The council reviewed and recommended changes to grizzly bear quotas for the Yukon North Slope, and developed options for the establishment of a hunting quota for muskoxen. The council also prepared a draft muskox management plan for the Yukon North Slope to ensure the conservation of the muskox population while addressing the needs of the resident Inuvialuit. The WMAC-NS facilitated two public meetings in Aklavik to discuss the draft plan.

The WMAC-NS initiated a series of meetings addressing amendments to the Yukon Wildlife Act required by inconsistencies and gaps with provisions of the IFA.

the YTG, the Joint Secretariat and Environment Canada as a forum to exchange information on the content and status of GIS-related projects and activities in the Yukon North Slope. The council also continued producing a newsletter to inform Inuvialuit communities about the council's activities, and to provide updates on issues of community interest.

3.7 Fisheries Joint Management Committee

The FJMC assists the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in the management of fish and marine mammals found in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, and provides advice on all matters affecting fisheries based on those resources. The FJMC works closely with government agencies, renewable resource user groups in the Inuvialuit communities and other renewable resource boards in Canada and Alaska which oversee common migratory stocks.

In keeping with the co-management philosophy of the IFA, consultation with local HTCs, the IGC, DFO and other government agencies was an important part of the Committee's activities in 1995-1996.

To foster local involvement in the management of research projects, the Committee used direct contracts with HTCs for the operation of some inventory projects, involved HTC members in all non-contracted projects and supported training modules in projects wherever possible. The Committee also encouraged the establishment of the private-sector Inuvik Aging Lab and used its services for all fish aging work, as well as for some project delivery.

The FJMC held six meetings and several teleconferences during 1995-1996. One regular meeting was held in Winnipeg to allow committee members to meet with scientists at the Freshwater Institute and senior DFO Central and Arctic region managers. The Committee also held public meetings in Paulatuk, Holman and Sachs Harbour to report on the progress of specific projects and to identify issues and concerns related to fish and marine mammal management.

The Committee was active in numerous monitoring and research activities. Broad whitefish spawning areas were identified and the analysis of the commercial fishery was finalized. Char monitoring was carried out at Holman, Paulatuk and Shingle Point, and the char enhancement potential of the Big Fish River was evaluated. Other activities included monitoring ringed seal in the vicinity of Holman, assessing arsenic and mercury levels of fish caught in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and examining the consumption patterns of beluga muktuk (the outer layer of beluga skin and fat).

In co-operation with the HTCs, the Committee continued the beluga harvest monitoring program. HTC whale monitors were located in each of the active whaling camps of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and collected biological information from each whale harvested, as well as materials for aging and other lab analysis. Committee staff provided program and logistic support, co-ordinated the collection of biological specimens and collated all data.

The Committee continued its support for the sampling of fish and marine mammals for contaminant analysis. The analysis of beluga blood, tissue and organ samples collected during 1994 and 1995 was completed and the results were presented to the IGC. Lake trout and inconnu (also known as conny) from Ya Ya Lake were also assessed.

4.1 Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Claims Implementation Branch
The Claims Implementation Branch serves as a liaison on IFA implementation issues for the Inuvialuit, territorial governments and other federal government departments. The branch negotiates funding authorities, manages funding instruments among the governments and the IFA Arbitration Board and tracks federal implementation activities, seeking the compliance of federal departments in outstanding implementation issues. The branch is also responsible for processing Canada's appointments to the Arbitration Board, leading federal negotiations on proposed amendments to the IFA and preparing the annual implementation review.

In 1995-1996, the branch entered into funding arrangements with the GNWT, the YTG and the Arbitration Panel. Implementation funding was provided to the GNWT ($2,646,061), the YTG ($723,211) and the Arbitration Panel ($15,000).

The branch participated in Inuvialuit participation costs negotiations. Consultations continued with other government departments over the amendments to the IFA and appointments were made to the Arbitration Board, the EISC and the EIRB.

The branch participated in interdepartmental meetings to establish a national park in the Melville Hills region of the Northwest Territories. The park will protect natural heritage resources of national significance, including the calving grounds of the Bluenose herd of Barren Ground Caribou, as well as archaeological sites. This proposed national park includes land within three adjacent Aboriginal land claims settlement areas: the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, the Nunavut Settlement Area, and the Sahtu Dene and Metis Settlement Area.

Northern Affairs Program
The Northern Affairs Program (NAP) of DIAND administers legislation concerning the disposition and use of Crown lands, inland waters offshore and non-renewable resources, and overall environmental protection in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

As the main recipient of decisions and recommendations from the EISC and the EIRB, NAP administers funding and monitors the implementation of screening and review processes to ensure that issues are dealt with in a timely manner. Through its regulatory authorities, NAP is also involved in the implementation of measures countering the impacts of industrial development. In addition, NAP administers implementation funding for conducting granular (sand and gravel) inventories.

To assist the Inuvialuit and government in carrying out obligations under the IFA, work continued on a contract that will provide a granular resource management model for the Western Arctic. This project will be completed in 1996-1997.

Periodic upgrading of granular demands for the region is required under the IFA, and the last forecast was completed in 1993-1994. In 1995-1996, a contract was initiated to modify the granular resources demand forecasting model and, in response to recent mineral exploration in the region, the capability of the model will be extended to include potential granular demands for mineral resource development.

Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada, through the CWS, is represented on the wildlife management advisory councils which deal with all significant wildlife issues in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

The CWS is a member of the WMAC-NT and the WMAC-NS for the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, and provides technical input into the Inuvialuit Harvest Study which is documenting the numbers of birds, mammals and fish taken by Inuvialuit. The information gathered during the study is intended for use in wildlife management, for calculating a compensation regime for loss of wildlife and habitat caused by industrial development in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and for determining the subsistence wildlife use and requirements of the Inuvialuit.

In 1995-1996, the CWS was involved in two major research projects examining the allowable harvest of the Lesser Snow Geese of Banks Island and Pacific Brant.

4.3 Department of Canadian Heritage

Parks Canada
Parks Canada is responsible for the protection of natural and cultural resources, including the wildlife populations and habitat of the two national parks in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region: Ivvavik National Park, in the western portion of the North Slope; and Aulavik National Park, on Banks Island. In 1995-1996, the ongoing negotiations to establish the Tuktut Nogait National Park, east of Paulatuk, progressed well.

A Parks Canada permit process monitors and controls visitor use and scientific research activity in Ivvavik and Aulavik national parks to ensure negative impacts on natural and cultural resources are minimized.

Activities in lvvavik National Park
In 1995-1996, Parks Canada conducted a number of projects in Ivvavik National Park.

• In 1995, there was a continuation of the environmental clean-up along the Yukon coast of the Beaufort Sea
• Parks Canada and DFO began a joint char research effort to create an understanding of Dolly Varden char population dynamics and genetic structuring.
• As part of the basic resource inventory for the Park, a land bird inventory was begun and new species were recorded. The information will be used in a database for long-term ecosystem monitoring.
• In co-operation with the Geological Survey of Canada, Parks Canada put into place an erosion monitoring system to increase understanding of coastal geomorphological processes.
• Two climate monitoring stations were installed in the Park in a joint project with Environment Canada. Both stations will contribute to public safety and ecosystem monitoring programs.
• Staff from the Parks Canada Professional and Technical Service Centre in Winnipeg, assisted by Ivvavik staff and advised by Inuvialuit elders, undertook an intensive archaeological survey of the Firth River corridor. Eighty-four new sites were discovered, including one which appears to date back approximately 10,000 years. This information will be used to establish the cultural resource component of the Park's ecosystem monitoring program.
• A muskoxen population survey and composition count were carried out across the Yukon and Northwest Territories North Slope and the results will be included in the North Slope Muskoxen Management Plan.

To increase employment among Inuvialuit beneficiaries, Parks Canada is committed to establishing a community-based operation in the Western Arctic. Educational, hiring and training programs are being developed to include both formal course work and on-the-job training.

Activities in Aulavik National Park
Parks Canada was involved in the following projects in Aulavik National Park.

• Parks Canada undertook archaeological research in the second field season of the Thomson River Archaeological Survey.
  
  The 1995 field work resulted is the location of an additional 50 sites, bringing the total to approximately 110. Most of the sites are recent and were occupied by Copper and Mackenzie Inuit, but three Paleo-Inuit sites approximately 3,800 years old were also encountered. Thirty surface artifacts were collected and are stored at Parks Canada curator facilities in Winnipeg until a museum facility is built in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
  
  
• Vegetation mapping for principal habitat units was undertaken and a plant collection was initiated for the Park. Five samples of each plant species were collected, dried and mounted. Three of the collections will serve for training purposes, one will be made available to the school in Sachs Harbour, and one will serve as scientific reference for future work. Several plants had not previously been recorded in the Park. Collection will continue in 1996.

4.4 Public Works and Government Services Canada

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) continued to advertise procurement opportunities on the Open Bidding Service and to meet the requirements of the IFA by notifying the IRC of procurement opportunities within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

In 1995-1996, PWGSC was involved in the decommissioning and clean-up of the Pearce Point (PIN-A) Distant Early Warning Line site on behalf of DIAND. This work, valued at $1.3 million, was undertaken by Inuvialuit Projects Incorporated.

4.5 Department of National Defence

Headquarters Canadian Forces Northern Area communicates frequently with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and local communities as required in advance of Canadian Ranger, Cadet and southern-based Canadian military unit training and exercises.

In 1995-1996, the Rangers conducted five exercises across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and a Junior Ranger trial program was conducted in Paulatuk. Southern-based military units conducted one air exercise from the Inuvik Forward Operating Location and one communications exercise at Inuvik.

In February 1996, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Inuvialuit for the clean-up of six Distant Early Warning Line sites over the summers of 1996, 1997 and 1998.

The Department of National Defence has a co-operation agreement with the Inuvialuit containing opportunities and specific commitments for training, employment and business related to the operation and maintenance of the North Warning System chain of radar installations in the Western Arctic. In 1995-1996, numerous contracts for the North Warning System project were completed.

4.6 Government of the Northwest Territories

The GNWT designates a member to each of the EISC, the EIRB, the Arbitration Board and the Research Advisory Council, and appoints the chairperson and GNWT members of the WMAC-NT, in addition to providing a secretariat. The GNWT is responsible for the administrative and operational costs of the IGC and the HTCs, and administers the budget for the operation and maintenance of the staff of the inactive Research Advisory Council. The GNWT provides funding to the Joint Secretariat for the provision of technical and administrative support to the various IFA boards, and for library services of the Research Advisory Council.

Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs
The Ministry of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs participated extensively in discussions and negotiations that resulted in a temporary resolution of the long-standing issue of Inuvialuit participation costs. The Ministry was also involved in a review of proposed IFA amendments and the financial administration of GNWT implementation funding. There was also considerable correspondence between the IRC and GNWT officials regarding the outstanding issue of government access to Inuvialuit lands.

Economic Development and Tourism
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism worked in close co-operation with the IRC and each individual Inuvialuit community in support of the shared objective of encouraging employment opportunities and economic self-sufficiency within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. The department provided information, counselling and advice to Inuvialuit businesses, and assisted Inuvialuit businesses and individuals in accessing financing from departmental programs, as well as from other government and private financing sources.

To implement the community economic development planning process in all Inuvialuit communities, the department and community leadership worked co-operatively to facilitate community economic and business development by identifying economic opportunities and working toward their realization. Contribution assistance was provided to the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization to enable the organization to scan the department's entire library of economic and business studies and reports onto compact discs. Copies of the discs will be distributed to each community.

The department engaged in consultations with the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization in such areas as the creation of a tourism development strategy for the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, the formation of a regional partnership to promote a "one-stop shop" for the delivery of business development programs and services, and the implementation of a client "after-care" service and support program.

The department continued to offer employment opportunities for Inuvialuit beneficiaries, primarily in the area of parks and visitor services. Two Inuvialuit summer students were employed as tourism councillors at the regional visitor centres in Inuvik and Dawson City and the department also supported one Inuvialuit post-secondary student in an affirmative action business and economic development training program.

Education Culture and Employment
The Culture and Heritage Division of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment continued work on its Tuktoyaktuk Traditional Knowledge Project, which will provide information to the Inuvialuit Land Administration and other agencies responsible for the protection of heritage sites in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Archaeological permits were routinely referred to the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the EISC for their review.

Justice
The Department of Justice contributed to the ongoing implementation of the IFA and provided legal advice and assistance, particularly in the areas of access to Inuvialuit land, HTC by-laws and the application of legislation in relation to the IFA. Regulations under the Wildlife Act were drafted to incorporate the terms of the by-laws made by local HTCs.

Renewable Resources
Wildlife studies were a significant part of the GNWTs operations, with work conducted in the following areas:

• Inuvialuit Harvest Study: Harvest data were collected on a monthly basis, summarized by community, month and species, and summary tables were presented at WMAC and IGC meetings. Harvest data for polar bears, grizzly bears and beluga whales were cross-referenced with similar data obtained by the FJMC and the Department of Renewable Resources.
  
  
• Banks Island Caribou and Muskox: The production, sex and age of caribou calves and the annual mortality rates of muskoxen on the southern third of Banks Island were determined through composition surveys conducted in June and July 1995.
  
  Significant efforts were put into the continued analyzing and summarizing of population, range, diet, weather and harvest data collected on Banks Island to assess the reasons for the dramatic decline in the caribou population.
  
  
• Bluenose Caribou: To prepare a status report, available harvest and biological data on the Bluenose herd continued to be summarized and the data used by the WMAC-NT, the IGC and the EISC to review mining exploration and development activities proposed for the Paulatuk area.
  
  
• Fifteen satellite collars were deployed on Bluenose Caribou in the Inuvik, Colville Lake and Kugluktuk areas, to provide detailed information on migration routes and seasonal ranges used by the herd. This project was cost-shared with the Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board.
  
  
• The draft Bluenose Caribou Management Plan was prepared and meetings were held with organizations representing the 12 mainland communities whose members harvest the herd to present information and to solicit community comments and concerns about the draft plan.
  
  
• Grizzly Bear: Radio-collared female grizzly bears were located during the spring of 1995 to determine their reproductive status. The sex and age of the harvest was also monitored. Work continued on analyses of satellite data to assess habitat quality in the area of the Anderson-Horton and the Brock-Hornaday Grizzly Bear. The draft project completion reports prepared for the 1993-1994 mark-recapture study of the Richardson Mountain and the Brock-Hornaday Grizzly Bear were reviewed. A draft grizzly bear management plan was prepared for the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and a quota review was initiated.
  
  
• Arctic Island Wolf: Wolf carcasses were purchased from hunters and trappers on Banks Island to determine the age, sex, incidence of disease, diet and general body condition of harvested wolves.

4.7 Government of the Yukon

The YTG is responsible for appointing the chairperson and a Yukon member to the WMAC-NS and for designating a member to each of the EISC, the EIRB and the Arbitration Board. The YTG also operates Herschel Island Territorial Park and co-ordinates an annual Yukon North Slope Conference. In addition, the YTG allocates implementation funding for ongoing wildlife research on the North Slope and for participation on the EISC, the EIRB and the Arbitration Board.

Amendments to the Wildlife Act
In co-operation with the WMAC-NS, a comparative analysis of the IFA and the Wildlife Act was completed to identify inconsistencies between the IFA and the Act and to provide either legislative or administrative options for bringing the Act in line with the provisions of the IFA.

Wildlife Projects
A draft Yukon North Slope Muskoxen Management Plan was developed in co-operation with Parks Canada - Ivvavik National Park and the Aklavik HTC, and implementation of some of the proposed projects began.

A set of four maps showing the distribution of muskoxen was drafted and publication is planned for 1996-1997. Historical information on the status of the Yukon muskoxen population was gathered and summarized on the maps. A muskoxen population survey and composition count was conducted in March 1996, and a draft report entitled "Muskoxen Distribution, Abundance and Key Habitat Utilization" was produced. The final report will be completed in 1996-1997.

A summary of wildlife studies undertaken on the Yukon North Slope by YTG from 1984 to 1994 was compiled and published.

Herschel Island Territorial Park
Herschel Island Territorial Park received approximately 500 visitors during the 1995 operating season, the same number as in 1994. About half of these visitors arrived via cruise ships. The Elder Host Program continued in 1995-1996. The portable interpretive display was used at the Inuvik Visitor Reception Centre and a satellite communications system was purchased to provide a more reliable communications network.

Additional Projects
The YTG was also involved in, and contributed funds to, a number of projects which were administered by the WMAC-NS, including:

• the preparation of the Yukon North Slope Conservation and Management Plan;
• the Inuvialuit Harvest Study and the evaluation to assess its effectiveness and efficiency;
• a distribution list for the Yukon North Slope Conservation and Management Plan; and
• the completion of the North Yukon Ecological Knowledge Co-operative Database.

Annex N of the IFA provides that capital transfer payments shall be made to the Inuvialuit on the last business day prior to December 31 of each of the following years and in the following amounts:

These figures represent funds allocated for implementation purposes.