Economic Development: The Future is BrightNunavut
Historically, our economy centered on the harvesting traditions of Inuit. We maintain these strong ties to the land, to the animals and marine mammals, and to sustainable development. And we are building on these traditions of resourcefulness and self-reliance. Nunavut’s economy today is growing rapidly with the development of the mining, fisheries, tourism, and cultural industries.
New job opportunities are emerging in the mining and resource development. The opening of the Jericho diamond project in August 2006 was the first new mine in the territory in over 25 years, Canada’s third diamond mine, and the first operated by a Canadian company.
Commercial fishing makes an important and growing contribution to Nunavut’s economy, through access to new fish quota in the North Atlantic. The tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, with our unique way of life, grounded in Inuit culture, and the outstanding natural beauty of Nunavut, drawing tourists from around the world. The Inuit soapstone carving is the flag bearer for a wide range of cultural exports, including drawings, fine art prints, fabric arts, sculpture in stone, bone and walrus tusk, fashion, video and film.
Nunavut Economic Development Forum
The Nunavut Economic Forum brings together Nunavut’s economic development agencies to share information and to work on the implementation of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy.
Nunavut Economic Forum website
Nunavut Economic Development Strategy
The Nunavut Economic Development Strategy has been prepared by a broad coalition of government, Inuit organizations and non-governmental and private sector groups.
We share a common desire to see Nunavut build a solid foundation for economic development and growth. We believe Nunavummiut need strong community and territorial economies to attain the goal all societies seek: “a high and sustainable quality of life.”
Nunavut Economic Development Strategy