Part 6/15:
Community leaders from Inukjuak, Mushkegowuk Territory, Eeyou Istchee, and Kivalliq emphasize that protecting these waters is a matter of both ecological necessity and cultural sovereignty. As Johnny Kasadluak from Nunavik explains, ancestral sites like Arviliit serve as sanctuaries for species vital for traditional hunting and harvesting. These areas must remain pristine to preserve the biodiversity and the Indigenous ways of life, including harvesting walrus, seals, and fish, which are embedded in their cultural identity.