The Inuvialuit

Inuvialuit are Inuit of the Western Arctic and the land, ice, and water of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region make up the western portion of Inuit Nunangat (or homeland). 

The Yukon North Slope has been part of Inuvialuit Nunangat since before memory and this long history has been well documented. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation has created a visual timeline of Inuvialuit history - this is an excellent resource that takes readers from time immemorial right through to current day. For a short summary of this history, check out the video below: Taimani - At That Time.

The signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in 1984 ushered in a new era, for all the signatories to the land claim. Rights of Inuvialuit, including hunting, fishing, and trapping, are now protected under the agreement, which is central to protecting something much larger: a living culture and way of life. Of course, these rights are meaningless if the animals, plants, and their habitats cease to exist. This is the work of our Council - to ensure these rights are protected over time so Inuvialuit can continue to exercise their rights, occupy their homeland, and fully express their culture.