MARY’S HARBOUR, LABRADOR, MARCH 26, 2026 – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) hosted its 9th annual Resource Stewardship Workshop this week in Mary’s Harbour. The gathering brought citizens together to share information on the management and protection of natural resources in NunatuKavut. It also provided citizens with the opportunity to network and offer input to NCC as it pertains to resource activity in the territory.
“This workshop, organized by our Environment and Natural Resources department, creates space for conversations with our people around the resources on our lands and in our waters,” said NCC President Todd Russell. “The sharing of lived experiences and traditional knowledge play a fundamental role in guiding our decisions.”
Conversations around the fishery were especially critical this year as it continues to undergo major changes that have a significant impact on NCC and communities in the territory. The shellfish fisheries, which were once prominent in the waters off NunatuKavut, are at historically low levels and there is a major shift toward groundfish — particularly Northern cod. NCC continues to highlight the principles of adjacency, NunatuKavut Inuit rights, cultural attachment and economic dependency and need in cod management decisions from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). There is also an urgent need for strong harvesting rules to protect this important resource into the future.
“We are at a crucial point, and we are working with our fishers to help build a plan around the cod fishery that will sustain us and our communities, for now and for future generations,” said President Russell.
Participants at the workshop reiterated their support for the calls for action outlined in a fishery-related resolution passed at NCC’s 2026 Annual General Assembly on March 1. The resolution asks NCC to advocate for restoring the 2J inshore fleet share of the northern cod fishery to 20 per cent and that NCC receive an increase to its special allocations as an Indigenous group in Labrador. Equally important, the resolution also directs NCC to advocate for stringent conservation and monitoring measures that address fishing and spawning grounds and other sensitive fish habitat within and adjacent to NunatuKavut.
“NCC will continue to push for increased access, fair participation, rigorous protection processes and sustained growth in the fishery, which is vital to the livelihood, health and well-being of NunatuKavut communities. This can happen if DFO lives up to its commitments to Indigenous reconciliation and fair allocation and conservation principles,” concluded President Russell.
ABOUT
The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) is a governing organization that represents Inuit who come from south and central Labrador. NCC is committed to advocating for section 35 rights, interests, and priorities of NunatuKavut Inuit. Rooted in the rich traditions and culture of NunatuKavut Inuit, NCC works diligently towards self-government and self-determination, while fostering community growth and sustainability.
ASSOCIATED LINKS
- Further information on NCC can be found at www.nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at Facebook.com/nunatukavut, instagram.com/nunatukavutinuit, Twitter @nunatukavut and YouTube by searching NunatuKavut.
CONTACT
Kelly Broomfield
Chief Communications Officer
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca