Project Story
More than 20 years ago, Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) began this project, with hopes of bringing water power to Iqaluit from the rivers at Qikirrijaarvik (Jaynes Inlet) and Nunngarut (Armshow River). Inuit did not want those rivers developed because they are so important for hunting, fishing, and camping. For that reason, and due to high cost estimates, QEC stopped development in 2014.
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) took over the project in 2017, with interest in developing water power at Kangala (Ward Inlet) or other areas of Inuit Owned Land. They knew that transitioning away from diesel was very important to Inuit, but needed it to be done respectfully. They also knew that Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC) was well suited to lead the project. In 2020, NNC took on that role, in collaboration with QIA.
The Options
NNC studied the information gathered by QEC and QIA. We wanted to know: Are we missing anything? And how do we make sure that cultural, technical, and environmental priorities are weighed equally? So, we hired scientists and engineers. We worked with QIA to conduct a Tusaqtavut study on Inuit land and resource use. We also toured the area around Iqaluit by helicopter, looking for places where wind, water (or a combination of the two) could bring clean power to the community. We didn’t consider nuclear power because that technology isn’t ready for such a small-scale setup. Solar was also ruled out because it’s mostly dark in Iqaluit all winter, and the number of solar panels needed to power the city would take up a very large area.
After many months of work, we found 16 different options within a 100km radius around Iqaluit. In 2023, NNC held a series of gatherings to share these options—the whole community was invited by postcard and special invitations were sent to Rightsholding organizations.
We explained the advantages and disadvantages of all options, including continuing with diesel. Then, we held a vote—all who came to the gatherings could cast a ballot, ranking their top 3 choices for clean energy. Of the people who voted, 76% agreed that water power on the river at Kuugaaluk was the best choice. This place showed the lowest amount of Inuit land use, based on the Tusaqtavut Study’s interviews with Elders and hunters.
Studying Kuugaaluk
Since then, NNC has received federal funding to study this option. We have worked with the Hunters and Trappers Organizations in Iqaluit and Panniqtuuq to make study plans for the land, rocks, water, plants, animals, and Inuit artefacts at Kuugaaluk. These studies began in 2025, with 70% Inuit employment on site. There is a lot more work to be done. NNC continues to prioritize Rightsholder engagement with Iqalungmiut and Panniqtuumiut, and working together to define and seek free, prior, informed consent for the development of this project. If it moves forward, the project could reduce Nunavut’s diesel use for electricity generation by one third.
Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project
Note: Except for existing snowmobile trails, the map and route design shown are preliminary and subject to change.