January 19, 2026—Ottawa
Inuit Nunangat, the Arctic homeland of Inuit in Canada, contains profound natural richness, including freshwater. Using decades of remote sensing imagery, ITK has determined that Inuit Nunangat is home to 32% of Canada’s surface freshwater – more than the surface area of all five Great Lakes combined.
ITK today released Inuit Nunangat Surface Freshwater and Ice documenting the presence and location of Inuit Nunangat freshwater over time.
As climate change, population pressures and global water scarcity intensify, safeguarding this abundance for future generations is essential. Doing so requires governance that reflects Inuit rights, values and priorities – ensuring that water is first and foremost a human right and cultural foundation, not merely a resource.
Inuit Nunangat comprises a significant part Canada – 40% of its land area and 72% of its coastline. With the addition of water wealth, it’s clear that the Inuit homeland contributes immensely to Canada’s natural resource assets and to our collective identity as a nation.
“Inuit Nunangat is a significant geopolitical space containing substantial human and resource capital,” said ITK President Natan Obed. “It’s imperative that Canada invest in our communities and in our people to ensure the safety and sovereignty of Inuit Nunangat for generations to come.”
For more information: media@itk.ca
