Qaggiq

Three separate meetings were held: one with the Panniqtuuq Hamlet Council, one with the Panniqtuuq HTA, and one the general public. Inukjuarmiut, Tommy Palliser and Eric Atagotaaluk, delivered a presentation at each in Inuktitut on their first-hand experiences with developing, building, operating, and benefiting from the Innavik hydro project over the course of 20 years. They also spoke about their community’s concerns, and the importance of addressing each one through data collection and research. Panniqtuumiut expressed concerns about environmental impacts, cultural impacts, socioeconomic impacts, engagement and communication, and governance and decision-making. NNC recorded all feedback and followed up with a record and comprehensive written responses. 

NNC staff were invited by the Amaruq HTA to present an update on the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project to the HTA Board and membership during their November 2025 Annual General Meeting. An overview of the 2025 field season results (summarizing aquatics, archaeological, geophysical, and wildlife + terrestrial studies) were provided, and questions / concerns that arose from the audience were answered. General feedback continued to indicate that potential impacts need to be studied closely and well understood before the Project can advance to the next phase.  

NNC staff presented an overview of the plans for the 2025 field season, which included summaries of the priority study areas for data collection: aquatics, archaeology, geophysics + geotechnical, and wildlife + terrestrial. Methodologies for data collection as well as maps of the areas to be studied were reviewed in detail. Amaruq HTA Board members provided feedback on the plans, and questions and concerns (around general project planning, potential impacts if the project proceeds, and data ownership) were responded to by NNC staff. A request was expressed for regular updates on the field season from NNC. 

NNC staff presented an overview of the plans for the 2025 field season, which included summaries of the priority study areas for data collection: aquatics, archaeology, geophysics + geotechnical, and wildlife + terrestrial. Methodologies for data collection as well as maps of the areas to be studied were reviewed in detail. Panniqtuuq HTA Board members reiterated concerns around potential environmental impacts, and the importance of protecting the commercial fishery and lands and waters that Panniqtuumiut depend on and have frequented for generations. Acknowledgement received on the need for Nunavummiut to transition away from diesel and towards renewable energy. Requests were expressed for more information, data sharing, and notifications on all job opportunities.

NNC Leadership and staff provided an overview of the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project including the Project’s purpose and the desire to get off diesel in Iqaluit. Timelines for the Project were provided, including high-level details of each of the development phases and decision gates. Questions arose around potential environmental impacts in both the Kuugaaluk area and the potential access roads going to the site. General feedback indicated the potential impacts need to be studied closely and well understood before the Project can advance to the next phase.  

NNC staff hosted a meeting on the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project that was open to the general public. An overview of the Project was provided, including the purpose behind the Project and the ongoing desire to get off diesel in Nunavut. An overview of the development process to date was provided, including the early-stage feasibility work and the FPIC-centred engagement process. Questions and concerns were responded to in the meeting. General feedback indicated potential environmental impacts to Kuugaaluk, Aukannalik, and Cumberland Sound were of significant concern and must be studied closely before anything is built. Requests for increased clarity on benefits sharing were also expressed. NNC staff also set up a table at the local Northmart for a few hours, to be available to the public for questions and answers during the trip. 

NNC staff hosted a meeting with the Panniqtuuq Community Lands and Resources Committee. An overview of the Project was provided, including the purpose behind the Project and the ongoing desire to get off diesel in Nunavut. An overview of the development process to date was provided, including the early-stage feasibility work and the free, prior, and informed consent-centred engagement process. Questions and concerns were responded to in the meeting. General feedback indicated potential environmental impacts to Kuugaaluk, Aukannalik, and Cumberland Sound were of significant concern and must be studied closely before anything is built. Requests for increased clarity on benefits sharing were also received by NNC staff.  

NNC staff provided a Project update including plans for 2025 that were made possible by the receipt of federal funding to support the advancement of the Project. Iqalungmiut were asked if they felt the Project should target meeting the electrical load, the electrical and industrial load, or the electrical and thermal loads in the City. Feedback was received verbally in the event and an anonymous survey was made available for written feedback as well. Responses indicated Iqalungmiut were interested in continuing to explore all options for electrification using clean energy given the negative environmental and economic impacts of continuing to rely on diesel fuel in the Territory.  

NNC staff worked with the Firelight Group, the organization contracted by QIA to complete Iqaluit’s Tusaqtavut Study, to present information to the Amaruq HTA on three preliminary options for an access road route. One route follows the high ground, one follows the low ground, and one finds a compromise between both elevations. Participating hunters generously shared knowledge and insights on pros and cons of different approaches, for example: the low ground is generally followed by the skidoo trail, as it has the most reliable snow accumulation, and the high ground is important for caribou feeding. No conclusion was made as to the optimal route, but more conversations, meetings, and information sharing were identified as critical to advancing any decision-making on route routing.

Hunters also expressed their concern around potential overall impacts of the project, and the importance of listening to hunters, integrating IQ, and respecting hunters’ Rights connecting to the land and waters at Kuugaaluk. Requests made for NNC to notify the Amaruq HTA in advance of any site visits and any work taking place. 

NNC Leadership + staff provided an overview of the Project and a summary of the feasibility work done to date on the Project. Information presented included the need for a clean energy transition and the environmental/economic impacts of continued diesel use. Details were provided on the study work completed as well as the FPIC-centred engagement approach. Community feedback received in Phases 1 + 2 was summarized and presented to the Board in this session. Questions and concerns were responded to in the meeting.  

NNC staff hosted Iqalungmiut and key stakeholders in two sessions at the Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre and visited Inuksuk High School to reach students. Postcard invitations were sent to every civic address in Iqaluit in an effort to maximize participation. Radio advertisements took place and invitations were posted on social media in the lead up to the event.

For each of the 17 energy system options presented for Iqaluit, there was a stand-up poster summarizing pros and cons, diesel displacement, and a feasibility ranking assigned according to results of the Tusaqtavut study (on Inuit land use around Iqaluit), an environmental and regulatory review, and a techno-economic assessment. These posters were distributed around the room in a way that mirrored the geographic distribution of the locations, so participants could walk from place to place, in the correct relative orientation. Booklets and slideshow presentations containing all the same information were provided.  

Ballots were distributed to all participants to indicate their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices for preferred energy system options. A 2-week period for ballot submission was facilitated, with postage-prepaid envelopes provided, and three follow-up in-person sessions at the Iqaluit Visitor’s Centre. Every effort was made to answer all questions and help participating Iqalungmiut exercise free, prior, and informed consent in their decision-making. 

NNC staff hosted Iqalungmiut at the Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre for a full-day open house, with three scheduled presentations: morning, afternoon, and evening. Concepts of different renewable energy technologies were explained, Arctic case studies of successful renewable energy development were shared, and Iqalungmiut were invited to imagine a more sustainable, Inuit-led energy system for the future. Good feedback, and general interest in renewable energy were expressed.