CanNor is investing over $586,000 to rehabilitate and sustainably develop the quarry site, helping ensure Inuit have continued access to carving stone.
Inuit carvers are among Canada's most renowned artists, creating works displayed in galleries and museums around the world. Carving is a vital expression of Inuit cultural identity and artistic tradition that supports local jobs, businesses, and the territory's economy. Access to a safe, reliable source of high-quality carving stone is essential to sustaining this tradition and the livelihoods it supports.
Today the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced a $586,500 contribution to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to improve the safety and usability of the Kangiqsukutaaq Quarry. This project will support engineering design work, technical assessments, site debris removal and regulatory requirements. The work may also lead to a quarry expansion, extending the life of the site and increasing local employment.
For decades, the Kangiqsukutaaq Quarry, located on South Baffin Island, approximately 160 kilometres east of the hamlet of Kinngait, has been a key source of carving stone for Inuit artists. By helping preserve and improve access to this essential resource, the Government of Canada is helping to create opportunities for northern businesses and entrepreneurs while advancing Inuit economic participation and reconciliation.
