Select your community
ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ EN IKT FR
Menu Close
ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ EN IKT FR
Select your community
Government Programs Services and Information
Your Government
Agencies
Devolution

About Devolution

Devolution

What is devolution?

Devolution is the process of transferring control over Nunavut’s public (Crown) lands and resources to the Government of Nunavut.  Devolution will allow Nunavummiut to make decisions on how public lands and resources are used and developed. An agreement will be negotiated between the Government of Nunavut, the Government of Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated that sets out the process for this transfer.

Why is devolution important for Nunavut?

Devolution will bring decision-making closer to home, giving Nunavummiut a greater say in issues that affect them. Final decisions over public land and resource use will be made in Nunavut and not in Ottawa. Devolution will enable Nunavummiut to better control the pace of development and maintain Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq, or environmental stewardship.

Is Nunavut ready for devolution?

Yes. Devolution is an important step to continue the process started with the land claims negotiations and settlement. The Government of Nunavut is prepared to negotiate an agreement with Canada and NTI. While negotiating the best deal for Nunavummiut will take some time to complete, Nunavut is ready for the next step in its political development.

What is the role of the Devolution Division?

The nature and complexity of devolution has required an ongoing division dedicated to preparing for, negotiating and implementing a devolution agreement. The division leads and coordinates devolution negotiations with the Government of Canada (GC) and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI). The Division is also charged with implementing the final agreement in the years following the negotiations.

Is this page useful?

Thank you for contacting the Government of Nunavut.

Please do not send sensitive or personal information, including (but not limited to): social insurance numbers, birthdates, information of other people, or health information. Please only send a brief description of your issue or concern and how we can contact you. We will make sure the correct person contacts you if they need more information or if they can answer your question or concern.