Topic 2.1: Overview of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) Principles
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) refers to the traditional knowledge and values of the Inuit, meaning “that which Inuit have always known to be true.” These principles guide relationships, governance, and management in Nunavut, emphasizing respect, interconnectedness, and community well-being.
IQ principles play a crucial role in the Nunavut legal system, promoting reciprocity, accountability, and conflict resolution to support community healing. By aligning legal practices with these core values, the justice system in Nunavut reflects the Inuit worldview and fosters a more inclusive and culturally respectful approach.
Understanding IQ principles and their practical application helps create a legal framework that honors Inuit traditions while addressing the needs of the community.
Definition and Importance of IQ Principles
Inuit say that the purpose of life is to live a good life. These values help frame how individuals navigate the challenges of a constantly changing world while maintaining cultural practice. While IQ principles are deeply rooted in Inuit traditions, they offer valuable guidance to anyone!
While environments and circumstances may change, Inuit Elders emphasize that core beliefs and values never need to change. These teachings are especially important for youth, as they offer guidance in navigating a rapidly evolving world while embracing and knowing cultural identity. By understanding and practicing these principles, youth are better equipped to foster respectful relationships and maintain a strong sense of community, ensuring they are able to live a good life in today’s world.1
Read, review, and learn the six guiding IQ principles:
To see IQ principles in action, you can explore an interactive experience featuring Raven and Fox, who play out these values in these simulated situations: IQ Interactive.2
To deepen your learning, you can also review a PowerPoint presentation that outlines these principles in detail: IQ Principles PowerPoint.3
Historical Background of IQ
Before the founding of Nunavut in March 1998, the Nunavut Social Development Council (NSDC) organized the Nunavut Traditional Knowledge Conference. This important gathering brought together Elders from various communities across Nunavut to discuss the future governance of the newly formed territory.
Key Objectives of the Conference:
During the conference, the term Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) was introduced. This concept represents more than just Inuit knowledge; it serves as a cornerstone for Nunavut’s development.
IQ encompasses:
The establishment of IQ as a guiding principle in this context, aims to ensure that Inuit ways of knowing and living remain central to the governance and identity of Nunavut.4
The Defining of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
In 1999, the Government of Nunavut initiated a project to define the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) and create a framework based on tuqturausiit (kinship structures). This led to the formation of the Sustainable Development IQ Working Group, which included members Jaypeetee Arnakak, Peter Freuchen Ittinuar, and Joe Tigullaraq. They defined IQ as the “past, present, and future experiences, knowledge, and values of Nunavut society.”
From this definition, six guiding principles of IQ were established. To further refine these principles, a working group was created that comprised representatives from the government, various land claims organizations, and Inuit elders. Their goal was to provide a formal and comprehensive definition of IQ and its guiding principles.
During this period, the Bathurst Mandate was developed to outline the direction for governance in Nunavut. This mandate emphasized that the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) would act as a pillar for enhancing processes related to citizen services. It states that the IQ principles would “provide the context in which we develop an open, responsive, and accountable government,” ensuring that the governance framework aligns with Inuit values and community needs.5
Ultimately, this framework seeks to ensure that programs and services are “fair, understandable, and easy to access,” establishing a solid foundation for governance that resonates with the values and needs of the Inuit community.