The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement sets out Inuit fishing, hunting, trapping, and gathering rights in the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area (LISA) and makes specific provisions for those who live outside of the LISA. Harvesting matters are managed by the Renewable Resources division.
Food Fishery
Labrador Inuit have the right to fish throughout the LISA at all times of the year in such quantities as are required to meet their full needs for food, social, and ceremonial purposes (unless a total allowable harvest level has been set for conservation purposes). Labrador Inuit Land Claim Beneficiaries have the right to participate in the food fishery in the Settlement Area.
Commercial Fishing
The Nunatsiavut Government is a quota-holder for a limited quantity of various commercial fish species.
Hunting and Gathering
Labrador Inuit have the exclusive right to harvest wildlife and plants in Labrador Inuit Lands (subject to exceptions described in Chapter 12 of the LILCA). Labrador Inuit also have the right to harvest wildlife and plants throughout the LISA at all times of the year to meet their full needs for food, social, and ceremonial purposes (unless a total allowable harvest level has been set by the Minister for conservation purposes). Labrador Inuit Land Claim Beneficiaries have the right to harvest wildlife and plants in the Settlement Area.
Commercial Developments
Labrador Inuit have priority rights to new commercial wildlife and forestry ventures in the LISA.
Transfer of Rights
Labrador Inuit may transfer their domestic harvesting rights to their spouse, child, or any other aboriginal person within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area. Transfers are subject to terms and conditions set out in the Labrador Inuit Land Claim Agreement (LILCA).
For more information, please see our Fisheries and Wildlife sections in Beneficiary Information.
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Department Overview
With the interests of our people, as well as the future of our region, in mind, the Nunatsiavut Government looks to the department of Lands and Natural Resources to sustainably manage our renewable and non-renewable resources.
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Labrador Inuit Lands
With so many resources available within the Nunatsiavut region, proper management of the land in regard to both its use by our people and other partners is of great priority.
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Land Use Planning
As part of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, we have developed a Regional Land Use Plan to ensure proper management of our land, water, and resources.
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Inuit Harvesting Rights
As a Beneficiary of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, you have rights to harvest wildlife, plants, and fish within the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area.
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Inuit Domestic Harvest
By reporting your harvesting activities to our department, you ensure the proper management of our resources and the future prosperity of our region.
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Overlap Agreements
Thanks to their cooperation, we are able to harvest within the Nunavik area, and we allow them to harvest within Nunatsiavut.
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Mineral Exploration Standards
With a number of possible mineral sources already established within our region, and more to come, proper management and regulation of these resources is becoming an increasingly important part of the work of the department of Lands and Natural Resources.
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Parks and Protected Areas
Containing one of Canada’s newest National Parks, as well as a number of other protected areas, Nunatsiavut is a rare region that should be experienced by all.
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Co-Management
Through a number of boards, consisting of a variety of members from all interested parties, the department of Lands and Natural Resources takes part in the co-management of a variety of Nunatsiavut’s interests.