Parks and Special Places

The Parks and Special Places division is responsible for planning, establishment, management, operation and promotion of Mirnguiqsirviit – Nunavut’s territorial parks and special places.

Nunavut’s parks and special places are important destinations and attractions for Nunavummiut and our visitors. They showcase our rich natural and cultural heritage locally, regionally, nationally and internationally; strengthen and support local Inuit cultures and communities through promotion and development of land-based activities; and stimulate pursuit of traditional activities through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.

Parks and Special Places, through the Umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement (IIBA) for Territorial parks and sections in the Nunavut Agreement pertaining to Nunavut Parks, are planned and managed jointly and are founded on sound and comprehensive resource information, Inuit Qaujimajangit, local and scientific knowledge, and current technological and geospatial information.

For more information regarding the establishment of a new territorial park please click here.

 

Goals

In keeping with the Nunavut Parks Program mandate, vision and mission, Nunavut’s Territorial Parks exist to meet the following goals:

1. Protect Nunavut’s cultural and natural landscapes.

• Territorial Parks protect and conserve representative examples of the full range of Nunavut’s natural and cultural landscapes for future generations. Joint planning and management will use the best available Inuit local IQ and scientific knowledge to contribute to the long-term sustainability of Nunavut’s ecosystems, cultural landscapes, historical and pre-historical places, and the overall health and wellness of our population. Our challenge is to identify and conserve what is timeless while reflecting the current needs of Nunavummiut.

2. Enhance community and visitor experience.

• Nunavummiut and visitors use Territorial Parks to create meaningful nature and culture based experiences and memories. Resident and visitor experiences are tied to their interactions with a park as places to relax, discover, and learn. To facilitate positive experiences, parks are maintained and operated to the highest standards; park programs are offered by trained and knowledgeable staff and local guides; and trip planning information is in place. The self-reliance and the cultural and social well-being of Inuit is enhanced through territorial park establishment, planning, management and operation.

3. Engage the community in heritage appreciation and conservation.

• Inuit have a unique relationship with the Nunavut’s landscape that is ecological, spiritual and social in nature, and they have an accumulated body of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit about our territorial parks. Through Community Joint Planning and Management Committees (CJPMCs), territorial parks engage communities in decision making, creating opportunities for Inuit to benefit from parks-related tourism, economic development, education, and employment. Heritage appreciation through our parks offers exceptional learning opportunities for Nunavummiut and visitors to understand the history, culture, landscapes and resources of Nunavut.  By connecting generations to the land and Inuit culture, parks promote life-long learning, increase understanding of and support for parks, encourage Nunavummiut to place a higher value on conserving Nunavut’s cultural and natural resources.

Program Areas

The Parks and Special Places division is divided into six program areas.

Joint Planning and Management

Joint Planning and Management is responsible for park planning and establishment; the review, development, and implementation of Park Master Plans, Management Plans and Cultural Resource Inventories, in keeping with the Umbrella Territorial Parks Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA).

Facilities and Operations

Facilities and Operations is responsible for the division’s asset and equipment planning, park operations, and visitor services at territorial parks, campgrounds, trails, parks visitor and interpretive centers.

Program Development

This involves the development of a Park and Special Places program and system plan; legislation, regulations, and policy development; communications and promotion; advising on park feasibility, planning and management; and coordinating divisional research needs. The Program Development section also contributes to conservation and sustainable land management through involvement in land use planning, development review, and community stewardship programs.

Heritage Appreciation

The intent of Heritage Appreciation is to provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to understand the park's purpose, and the role of Territorial Parks within Nunavut, and may include curriculum-based educational programs, non-personal services, and community outreach.

Geospatial Information and Information Technology

Geospatial Information and Information Technology involves the development, implementation, management and operation of the division’s Geographic Information System (GIS); maintaining accurate land tenure and descriptions for parks and special places; management and maintenance of the department’s geospatial database; and provision of geographic information system products. This section also responds to Divisional information technology needs and maintains Nunavut Parks’ website and associated social media accounts.

Heritage Rivers

Heritage Rivers is responsible for developing and managing the Canadian Heritage Rivers Program (CHRS) in Nunavut, in keeping with the Heritage Rivers Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement (IIBA).

 

Click on the link to explore Nunavut's Parks and Special Places.

Explore Nunavut's Parks and Special Places