Nunavut Land Claim Survey

Project Snapshot

Project Overview

Introduction

The Nunavut Land Claim is the largest Indigenous land settlement in Canadian history—covering 1.9 million square kilometres, home to over 19,000 Inuit. As part of this landmark agreement, Underhill played a key role in defining the legal boundaries of lands returned to the Inuit people.

Scope of Work

• Boundary Surveys Underhill monumented over 2,700 Isolated Boundary Corners (IBCs) using advanced GPS, CLS ’77 markers, and natural references across a vast Arctic region.
• Survey Design Corners were established at geographic features (rivers, lakes, ridges), reducing the need for rectilinear demarcation. This approach respected the vast geography and natural boundaries of the land.
• Partnership with Inuit Organizations All support logistics were locally sourced through Kitikmeot Corporation and Nunasi Helicopters. Field teams included Inuit crew members, with full-time on-site GPS processing and CAD drafting.

Survey Highlights

• Round-the-Clock Surveying Under continuous Arctic daylight, two crews operated back-to-back 10-hour shifts, supported by helicopter transport.
• Efficient Field Operations All GPS and CAD work was completed on-site, ensuring rapid quality control before demobilization. The peak day recorded 20 IBCs monumented and surveyed.
• Collaborative Approach Underhill collaborated with Usher Canada and Marshall Macklin Monaghan on select contracts, maintaining consistency and shared standards.

Project Impact

Underhill’s surveying of over 2,700 boundary points helped establish legal clarity for the largest Indigenous land claim in Canadian history. Our work supported Inuit land ownership, co-management of Arctic resources, and the foundation of Nunavut’s self-governance. This project remains a milestone in both technical achievement and Indigenous rights recognition across Canada’s North.