Quebec Inuit reach historic offshore deal

Calling it "a unique modern treaty," the federal government announced its first offshore agreement with an aboriginal community on Friday.

Under the draft deal, Quebec Inuit stand to receive millions of dollars in royalties from future underwater discoveries of oil, gas or other resources. A final document is expected within six months.

"We have reached a significant milestone on the path toward an agreement which will provide greater economic and social stability for the region," said Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault.

He signed the agreement-in-principle with Makivik Corp. president Pita Aatami.

It gives the Inuit in northern Quebec ownership of 80 per cent of the Nunavik islands. The territory covers more than 200,000 kilometres of land, ice and water in Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay.

They will also receive $50 million, as well as an additional $5 million for wildlife research.

"Nunavimmiut begin a step in the right direction ... managing the offshore area an area that has been instrumental in keeping us alive," said Aatami.

He said the deal also confirms "ownership of the islands upon which many of our ancestors were born."

About 10,000 Inuit live in the area. The deal came after nine years of negotiations.