The Governance & Regulation of Nunavut Archaeology
Shared Governance
The Nunavut Agreement established a shared governance structure for Nunavut archaeology. Representing Inuit interests, Inuit Heritage Trust (IHT) works alongside the Government of Nunavut's (GN) Department of Culture and Heritage (CH) to ensure the protection and preservation of Nunavut's archaeological sites.
Putting the Nunavut Agreement in action, in 2023 IHT's Archaeology Guidelines were released.
Nunavut Agreement Article 33
33.2.1 The archaeological record of the Inuit of the Nunavut Settlement Area is a record of Inuit use and occupancy of lands and resources through time. The evidence associated with their use and occupancy represents a cultural, historical and ethnographic heritage of Inuit society and, as such, Government recognizes that Inuit have a special relationship with such evidence which shall be expressed in terms of special rights and responsibilities.
Nunavut Agreement Article 33
33.2.3 Government responsibilities for the management and conservation of archaeological sites and specimens shall be balanced with Inuit responsibilities for the same.
Nunavut Agreement Article 33
33.4.3 The Trust shall assume increasing responsibilities for supporting, encouraging, and facilitating the conservation, maintenance, restoration and display of archaeological sites and specimens in the Nunavut Settlement Area, in addition to any other functions set out in the Agreement.
Nunavut Agreement Article 33
33.3.1 The Trust shall be invited to participate in developing government policy and legislation on archaeology in the Nunavut Settlement Area.
Applying for an Archaeology Permit
Whether you are conducting research or visiting an archaeology site in Nunavut, you must secure a permit. The process includes a mandatory community review facilitated by IHT. To ensure adequate time for community review, in 2025 applicants were requested to submitt applications directly to IHT along with non-technical summaries of project proposals by January 31st.
Beginning 2026 IHT is implementing a new online submission form to further streamline the process and improve transparency.
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Complete IHT's Online Form: Fill out the online 2026 Archaeology Permit Application (link here).
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Upload Documents: upload a non-technical project summary in English and Inuktitut (½–1 page, use this link to access a template), the GN application form and required documents.
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Submitt Online Application: Ensure all supporting files are uploaded and submitt your application to IHT.
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Ensure you have emailed your application to the GN.
Submission Deadlines
IHT Community Review Submission: January 31st
*Review can not begin until non-technical summaries, GN application form and required documents are received by IHT*
GN Culture & Heritage Submission: remains March 31st. However, all applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early.
Application Steps
Submitting An Archaeology Permit Report
Reporting requirements for archaeology permit holders are outlined in the Government of Nunavut's (GN) 2003 Guidelines for Applicants and Holders of Nunavut Territory Archaeology and Inuit Heritage Trust's (IHT) 2023 Archaeology Guidelines.
All Archaeology Permit Holders are required to submit permit report documentation to both the GN's Department of Culture and Heritage and Inuit Heritage Trust.
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To submit documents to IHT, please complete the form linked here and upload all required materials.
This includes:
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Non-technical summaries
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Permit reporting forms
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Maps
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Final reports
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Field notes
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Collection catalogues
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Photographs
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Any other supporting documentation required under the terms of your permit
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Please note that IHT may publish an abbreviated version of approved non-technical summaries on its website to improve public access to information about archaeological research conducted in Nunavut.
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Permit Holders are also responsible for providing non-technical summaries to the Hamlet Office and Hunters and Trappers Association (HTA) in the community or communities closest to the project area or archaeological sites visited.
