Our History

The Nunavik Marine Region Planning Commission (NMRPC) was created under the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA). As with all significant achievements, there is a story behind the NILCA.

In the 1970s, the Quebec government announced plans to construct several hydroelectric dams in the James Bay region. It did not undertake consultation with Indigenous populations, resulting in the Cree and Inuit working to defend their unceded rights over the potentially affected land. Following a challenging process, the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) was signed on November 11, 1975 by the Governments of Quebec and Canada, Hydro-Québec and two of its subsidiaries, the Grand Council of the Crees of Quebec, and the Northern Quebec Inuit Association. The JBNQA, described by many as the “first modern treaty”, allowed the Quebec government to complete construction of the hydroelectric dams, while also recognizing the rights of the Cree and Inuit and providing compensation.  

The JBNQA redefined the relationship between Quebec and indigenous populations but failed to recognize the offshore rights of Nunavik Inuit. Following many years of research, advocacy, and negotiation by Nunavik Inuit, the NILCA was signed by Makivvik and the Governments of Canada and Nunavut on December 1, 2006. This additional “modern treaty” came into effect on July 10, 2008.  

The NILCA addresses the use, ownership, and management of lands, waters, shores, and resources in the Nunavik Marine Region as well as a portion of northern Labrador and an area offshore of Labrador. Under the NILCA, Nunavik Inuit have sole or joint ownership of over 80% of the islands in the Nunavik Marine Region, totaling over 5,340 km2.  

To support its implementation, the NILCA established three institutions of public government, including the NMRPC as well as the Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board (NMRWB) and Nunavik Marine Region Impact Review Board (NMRIRB). Each has a unique and complementary role regarding the management, conservation, development, and use of the islands, waters, and wildlife in the Nunavik Marine Region.