On March 24, members of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall ship’s company held a Northern Affiliation ceremony along with the Kivalliq Inuit Association and community leaders in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. The event, which took place at the Old Rankin Inlet Arena, marked the fourth affiliation between a Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) and a region of Inuit Nunangat.

“Canada’s Arctic waters are integral to Canadian sovereignty and are an increasingly crucial part of our national defence strategy. It is with great pride that we affiliate each new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel with northern regions, establish ties with communities who shape our national identity, and enhance operational readiness in Arctic waters.”  

The Honorable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

“I warmly welcome the affiliation between HMCS William Hall and the Kivalliq Region. This ceremony marks the beginning of a meaningful relationship between our sailors and the people of Kivalliq Region – and it demonstrates the Royal Canadian Navy’s commitment to building ties with Indigenous and Northern communities. As our government makes historic investments in Arctic security, these essential relationships will help to protect Canadians.”

Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (Northern Defence)

“I am pleased that the Royal Canadian Navy will have one of its ships affiliated with the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut.  We look forward to seeing it sail our waters as a show of Canadian sovereignty and hope that members of our communities will be able to see it firsthand when making stops in our communities. We also look forward fostering positive relationships with the crew and command of the HMCS William Hall.”

Kono Tattuinee, President, Kivalliq Inuit Association

“It is an honour to have been a part of the affiliation of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship William Hall with the Kivalliq Region. This is an opportunity for meaningful collaboration between the ship’s crew—at present and throughout its future service—and the people at the heart of Canada’s North.”

Commander Scott Kelemen, Commanding Officer HMCS William Hall

• Canada’s Northern region spans three territories and covers land up to the North Pole and comprises 75 percent of the nation’s coastline. The expanse of Canada’s North, coupled with its icy seas, harsh climate, and more than 36,000 islands make for a challenging region to monitor.

• The RCN is affiliating each one of its Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels with the six Inuit regions of the Inuit Nunangat. In 2019, HMCS Harry DeWolf celebrated their affiliation with the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut; in 2022, HMCS Margaret Brooke was affiliated with Nunatsiavut in Hopedale, NL; and in 2023, HMCS Max Bernays was affiliated with the Kitikmeot Region, in Cambridge Bay, NU. The remaining affiliations with the Inuvialuit and Nunavik regions will occur as each AOPV enters the RCN Fleet.

• The Kivalliq Region borders Hudson’s Bay and comprises a population of roughly 11,000 people and a land area of 434,331 square kilometres.

• The Kivalliq Region is home to the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest wildlife refuge in Canada at 52,000 square kilometres which itself is home to caribou, Arctic wolves and foxes, wolverines, and grizzly bears. 

Associated links

• Kivalliq Inuit Association
• Harry DeWolf class Royal Canadian Navy
• Harry DeWolf class Northern Affiliation
• HMCS William Hall
• Photo link
• Royal Canadian Navy Instagram
• Royal Canadian Navy Facebook

Media Relations Office
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Kivalliq Inuit Association
Art Sateana, Communications Manager
Phone: 867-645-5757
Email: asateana@kivalliqinuit.ca

Office of the Nunavut Premier, P.J. Akeeagok
Michele LeTourneau, Press Secretary
Telephone: 867-975-5063
Email: mletourneau6@gov.nu.ca