Research has shown that the majority of Canada's caribou herds are in decline. This is a source of sustenance for our people, the Inuit, now and for thousands of years before us.

On March 7, the Government of Nunavut surprised the population when they announced that there was a cabinet directive overturning their position on prohibiting exploration and mining on caribou calving grounds. They further admitted, "It was not a consultative decision. It was an internal government decision."

We, the undersigned, believe this was an irresponsible decision. We do not support exploration and mining on caribou calving grounds. We are concerned it will negatively affect the sensitive caribou population. We ask the Government of Nunavut to listen to the people they represent and support the prohibition of mineral exploration and mining on caribou calving grounds.