Arviq HTO, the hunters and trappers organization in Naujaat, is urging the federal government to pause the Steensby railway project in order to review more recent research on its environmental impacts. Baffinland Iron Mines announced in January that it had obtained all necessary approvals to proceed with the Steensby section of the Mary River iron ore mine project on Baffin Island in Nunavut. The initiative aims to enhance iron ore transportation from the existing Mary River mine by constructing a railway to a proposed port at Steensby Inlet.
Despite the initial belief that Naujaat, located 525 kilometers from the planned port, would not be affected by the project due to its distance from Baffin Island, the Arviq HTO now believes otherwise. Recent studies suggest potential implications for Naujaat residents, prompting the organization to request a reassessment of the project from the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) and the federal government.
Arviq HTO raised concerns that the Steensby railway could disrupt caribou migration routes on Baffin Island, leading to a shift in hunting patterns and impacting the caribou population crucial for Naujaat residents. Additionally, the organization expressed worry over heightened ship traffic in the Foxe Basin and its potential effects on narwhals, citing previous studies indicating narwhals’ sensitivity to ship noise.
Notably, Arviq HTO emphasized that it was not consulted regarding the rail and road project, seeking support from Ecojustice, a Canadian environmental law organization. While Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada acknowledged Arviq HTO’s apprehensions, Baffinland highlighted that the organization did not partake in the NIRB public review process.
Despite ongoing permit evaluations by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada for the Steensby project, Baffinland emphasized having obtained key regulatory authorizations for initial construction. Arviq HTO intends to continue discussions with the government, with potential legal action on the table if concerns remain unaddressed.
Arviq HTO’s stance underscores the importance of inclusive consultation and consideration of indigenous perspectives in large-scale projects, aiming to safeguard environmental and cultural interests.