ANALYSIS: Giving Nunavut Control Over Land and Resources Pits Territory Against China, Russia: Experts

In the largest land transfer in Canadian history, Ottawa granted Nunavut control of its own land, water, and resources in a process known as ‘devolution.’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok (C), and Nunavut Tunngavik President Aluki Kotierk (L) answer questions at a press conference following the signing of the Nunavut devolution agreement in Iqaluit, on Jan. 18, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dustin Patar

In the largest land transfer in Canadian history, Nunavut, the primarily Inuit northern territory, was granted control of its own land, water, and resources by the federal government—known as “devolution”—on Jan. 18.

But the move is eliciting significant concerns from analysts who warn of geopolitical risks for a people ill-equipped to deal with the realities of increased competition in the Arctic from China and Russia.