Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) has declined an invitation to attend the upcoming Council of the Federation meeting with Premiers and National Indigenous Leaders, citing disagreement over the meeting’s composition. ITK expressed concern that the Council continues to include groups falsely claiming to represent Inuit, which undermines legitimate Inuit governance and contributes to public confusion.
While ITK supports opportunities to share Inuit priorities with Canada’s Premiers, it emphasizes that effective collaboration requires respect for Inuit self-determination, constitutional rights, and democratic institutions. The organization believes that including illegitimate organizations in high-level meetings weakens trust and coordination at a time when Canada faces urgent and complex challenges requiring unity and clarity.
ITK urges federal, provincial, and territorial leaders to engage in meaningful partnerships with legitimate Inuit representatives to build a safe, sustainable, and sovereign future for Inuit and all Canadians. Despite withdrawing from this meeting, ITK remains committed to working with Premiers and other partners interested in responsible development and nation-building in Inuit homelands.
Read more on Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s Website: