Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) has welcomed the appointment of Virginia Mearns as Canada’s new Arctic Ambassador, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney during the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee meeting in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. The ambassadorial role is a central part of Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy, launched in December 2024. ITK looks forward to collaborating with Mearns on key issues such as Arctic security, sovereignty, reconciliation, and economic development.
Virginia Mearns, an Inuk from Nunavut, brings extensive experience, having held leadership roles with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and the Government of Nunavut. ITK President Natan Obed praised her appointment, noting her ability to represent Inuit interests and help the international community understand Canada’s approach to Arctic sovereignty and its relationship with Indigenous peoples.
ITK, alongside Inuit Treaty Organizations and the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, was instrumental in co-developing the Arctic Foreign Policy and is committed to ensuring its full implementation. ITK emphasizes that Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic is grounded in Inuit land use and occupancy. Inuit Nunangat, which comprises 40% of Canada’s landmass and its entire Arctic coastline, is vital to the country’s identity, security, and prosperity.
Read the full story on Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s Website: