080121-08MN006-Sabina Hackett River Project Proposal ... - NIRB

Description of the Existing Environment6.3.4 Land and Resource UseContemporary land and resource use throughout the Kitikmeot Region reflects the continuedimportance of the traditional subsistence economy, including hunting, fishing, trapping andgathering. In addition, non-traditional activities – including mining and mineral exploration, andtourism – are of growing economic significance throughout the region.Land use studies for the Hackett River Project will focus on the activities of the closestcommunities to the Project and access road; namely, Kingaok (Bathurst Inlet) andOmingmaktok. Cambridge Bay will also be considered, as these residents may be affected bythe proposed shipping route. Figure 6.3-2 illustrates the land use study area.The Hackett River Project may also affect land users in other communities, such as Taloyoak andQausuittuq (Resolute), where land use activities (particularly wildlife-based traditional land uses)may overlap with the proposed shipping corridor. However, as the Hackett Project proposes tofollow the shipping and hauling routes identified in the Bathurst Inlet Port and Road (BIPR) draftEIS, these studies will be deferred to at this time. Investigations of other land users areunderway, and will be included in the draft EIS if appropriate.6.3.4.1 Land ManagementThe Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC), established through the Nunavut Land ClaimsAgreement (NCLA), is the responsible land use planning agency for the territory. The NLCAworks with territorial and federal governments to develop land use plans which reflectsustainable development and responsible use of natural resources; with a mandate to balancedevelopment with the traditional lifestyle of the Inuit, and the long-term preservation of the landand wildlife.The proposed Hackett River Project is located within the boundaries of the West KitikmeotRegional Land Use Plan (the Plan), with the exception of the northeast portion of the shippingroute. It is bounded in Nunavut by the North Baffin (north, northeast), Akunniq (east), andKeewatin (southeast) land use planning regions; and in the Northwest Territories (NWT) by theInuvialuit and Sahtu settlement areas (west), the Tlicho settlement area (southwest), and theAkaitcho area (south). The total area of the West Kitikmeot planning region is approximately350,000 km 2 , including approximately 66,400 km 2 of Inuit lands (WKRLUP, 20045).The Plan envisions a future state where the land continues to support the cultural and economicneeds of the people, including the harvest of wildlife, furs and country foods; as well asconvenient and continued access to wildlife areas for harvesters. Core values include thepreservation of Inuit culture and heritage; use of Traditional Knowledge (TK; also known asInuit Quajimajatuqangit (IQ) in parts of Nunavut); respect for and protection of the land; sharingof the land and economic benefits; and encouragement for ongoing research and study of theland, people and their interconnections.January 2008 Hackett River Project – Project Proposal Sabina Silver CorporationReport Version B.1 6–27 Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Proj. #833-2)