UQSUQTUUQ/GJOA HAVEN
Canada's Liberal government is turning a Conservative election promise into reality with a Parks Canada announcement March 17 it will establish a Franklin visitor and field research centre in Gjoa Haven.

The detached ship's bell of HMS Erebus is kept in a bath of distilled water at the Parks Canada archaeological conservation laboratory after it was unveiled in Ottawa in November, 2014. - file photo courtesy of CNW/Parks Canada

The new centre, a collaboration between the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and Parks Canada, will see federal funding of $16.9 million over five years to support the ongoing investigation of HMS Erebus and the continuing search for HMS Terror, and for the development of multi-purpose infrastructure, stated a news release.

The missing HMS Erebus was found in September 2014 and some artifacts from the ship are being stored at the Parks Canada archaeological conservation laboratory in Ottawa.

"The recent discovery of HMS Erebus would not have been possible without Inuit knowledge and this is something I am very proud of," said Nunavut MP Hunter Tootoo, who is also minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

"The Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site is the first co-operatively managed national historic site in Nunavut and the funding announced today will create economic development and employment opportunities for the Kitikmeot region. The collaboration between the Government of Canada and Inuit will guide the development of this site and allow the story of the Franklin Expedition, along with Inuit oral history and cultural traditions, to be shared in new and exciting ways."

Parks Canada will continue to work closely with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association to negotiate an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement as required under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, according to the news release.

The news comes after reports of a jurisdictional squall brewing over ownership of Erebus artifacts, which was brought to the attention of the Nunavut legislative assembly March 9 by Gjoa Haven MLA Tony Akoak. He asked Premier Peter Taptuna to "provide a clear explanation of the Government of Nunavut's position on the matter."

"We are working very closely with our partners of Parks Canada to ensure that things are done in a proper fashion," replied Taptuna. "There are also claims out there by the British government for ownership on relics that may be found. At this time, we are in discussions with our partners to ensure that all the rules of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and whatever laws that may exist -- we want to ensure that all the regulatory laws are abided by, including our Nunavut Land Claims Agreement."

Louie Kamookak, who worked over decades documenting Inuit oral history and cross-referencing it with written accounts by adventurers to the North, worked closely with Parks Canada leading up to the Erebus find.

He celebrates the announcement of the proposed centre.

"This is great news for both Gjoa Haven and Nunavummiut. The idea of having the authentic artifacts in the North and possibility of employment and businesses for the region is wonderful news. Every bit of possibilities are welcome to better Nunavut and its people," Kamookak told Nunavut News/North in an interview.

While the fate of the artifacts remains a matter of discussion, Kamookak told News/North he would prefer there not be a fight over ownership. There are no clues in the news release, which only states the centre will support the conservation, research and presentation of the Franklin Expedition's history and artifacts.

Federal Parks Minister Canada Catherine McKenna and Kitikmeot Inuit Association president Stanley Anablak also announced the establishment of an interim advisory committee with membership from local communities, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, the Government of Nunavut, Inuit Heritage Trust, Nunavut Tourism and Parks Canada, according to the press release.

The committee will advise Parks Canada on the management of the national historic site until the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement is finalized. The committee will also explore facility options for Gjoa Haven, which may include a visitor centre, conservation labs, administrative offices, and staff housing.

"Our national historic sites tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures and contributions of indigenous peoples. The government is committed to working respectfully with Inuit and honouring their contributions to Canada's protected places," stated McKenna

Anablak said he looks forward to working with Parks Canada and to the completion of the negotiation of an Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement.