The Governance & Regulation of Nunavut Archaeology
Shared Governance
The Nunavut Agreement established a shared governance structure for Nunavut archaeology, placing the Inuit Heritage Trust (IHT) alongside the Government of Nunavut's Department of Culture and Heritage (CH) to represent Inuit interests and ensure the protection and preservation of Nunavut's archaeological sites.
Putting the Nunavut Agreement in action, IHT has published new archaeology guidelines.
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
33.4.3 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
33.2.3 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
33.3.1 The Trust shall be invited to participate in developing government policy and legislation on archaeology in the Nunavut Settlement Area.
The Regulation of Nunavut Archaeology
Archaeology in Nunavut is protected through the following legislation & policy:
Nunavut Archaeology and Palaeontology Site Regulations (NAPSR)