Nunavut Inuit org hopes to increase Inuit role in Baffin seismic project – Nunatsiaq News
QIA disappointed that community concerns were ignored
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s outgoing president says she is disappointed that the National Energy Board approved seismic testing in Baffin Bay in spite widespread opposition from Inuit, but she said the association will now try to maximize Inuit involvement and benefits.
Reached in Ottawa June 27 where she is on holiday with her family, Okalik Eegeesiak said she had hoped the NEB would delay approval until after the federal government completed a strategic environmental assessment of oil and gas exploration in this area, but it was a faint hope.
“We had a feeling it would go down this way, but still a bit surprised that Inuit concerns weren’t heard and considered,” Eegeesiak said.
In that sense, it was a disappointing decision.
