PRESS RELEASE
KUUJJUAQ – April 2, 2026 – Makivvik watched recent media coverage, including reporting by the Fifth Estate, regarding the proposed Strange Lake rare earth project being advanced by Torngat Metals.
The Strange Lake project is located in Nunavik and affects lands subject to the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, including Category III lands where Inuit rights are recognized and protected. Makivvik is mandated to represent the Inuit of Nunavik and to protect and advance Inuit rights and interests, including those relating to land use, resources, and development.
The James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement was concluded to resolve the consequences of development imposed on Inuit lands without Inuit involvement. It establishes binding rights and the framework that governs how development takes place in Nunavik. Those rights apply directly to this project.
Makivvik has engaged with the community of Kangiqsuallujjuaq and then with both Torngat Metals and government authorities regarding the Strange Lake project. Our position has been clear and consistent: the project cannot proceed without the full involvement of Makivvik, the completion of environmental and social processes, and the clear support of Kangiqsuallujjuaq.
“There is no pathway for development in Nunavik that bypasses Inuit rights or Inuit decision-making. The moratorium on mining development imposed by Makivvik in July 2023 remains in place, and no project can be advanced while required steps are incomplete,” said Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik.
Recent reporting, as well as federal positioning, creates the impression that this project is advancing beyond that point. That impression is incorrect and stems from a misleading characterization of the project as progressing through financing, infrastructure development, and engagement with various parties. A project affecting Nunavik cannot be advanced, in any meaningful sense, without Makivvik’s involvement.
Nunavik is not a territory where decisions can be made unilaterally. Inuit hold recognized rights in relation to the land and its use, and Makivvik represents those rights. Mining claims, financing initiatives, or external agreements do not override them.
Makivvik has made it clear that it is premature to advance this project until the views of Kangiqsualujjuaq are fully known and respected. Makivvik supports the right of the community of Kangiqsualujjuaq to determine whether this project proceeds and will follow instructions from the community in that matter. Any suggestion that the Strange Lake project is moving forward without these conditions being met does not reflect the legal and governance framework that applies in Nunavik.
The circumstances that led to the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement cannot be repeated. Makivvik will continue to assert its role and will take the necessary steps to ensure that decisions affecting Inuit lands in Nunavik are not advanced without Inuit involvement and consent.
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Contact:
Katharine Morrill
Director of Communications, Makivvik
kmorrill@makivvik.ca
Makivvik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.