His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Frédérick Rolette connects with Nunavik
News release
September 22, 2025 – Ottawa – Royal Canadian Navy / Department of National Defence
On September 19, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) celebrated a new and long-lasting relationship with Nunavik. This vibrant Inuit community in Northern Quebec and crew members of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Frédérick Rolette, who travelled from their home port of Halifax, N.S., came together during an official Northern Affiliation ceremony.
Communities are at the heart of the Canadian North, a region which is of great importance to Canada’s identity, its security, and its future prosperity. Northern Affiliation represents a shared understanding, exchange of ideas, relationship building, and mutual respect between the RCN and communities in the North. Northern Affiliations create opportunities for learning through community events, initiatives, and cultural interactions.
All six of the RCN’s Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels will be affiliated with Northern communities. Each ship’s company will work with community members and local leaders, as well as engage with local schools and youth groups to build relationships based on respect and mutual understanding.
Quotes
“Canada’s Arctic waters are vital to our nation and play an increasingly important role in our sovereignty. We take great pride in linking each new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel with Northern regions, building meaningful relationships with communities that shape our identity, and strengthening our readiness to operate in the Arctic.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Connecting with communities in Canada’s North is a privilege, and a responsibility that means a great deal to the Royal Canadian Navy. Canada’s North is integral to the security and sovereignty of the country, and today’s ceremony is a reaffirmation of our commitment to partnership, respect, and shared stewardship of Canada’s North.”
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy
“We are privileged to have the opportunity to connect with Nunavik, and to forge ties that last well into the future. Through this relationship, we deepen our understanding of the Arctic, strengthen our operational readiness, and honour these enduring connections.”
Commander Jolene Lisi, Commanding Officer, HMCS Frédérick Rolette
“Building a relationship with the Royal Canadian Navy is a positive step towards respect, understanding, and trust. We at Makivvik look forward to growing this connection, and witnessing the positive impacts it will bring for Nunavimmiut.”
Alicia Aragutak, Corporate Secretary, Makivvik
“This collaboration has been aligned with our efforts to work with governments and equitable partners towards reconciliation and respect in our ancestral environment. We have much to exchange on and I look forward to continuing this collaboration with the Royal Canadian Navy.”
Pita Aatami, President, Makivvik
Quick facts
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The six Inuit regions in the North that will be affiliated with the vessels include Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Inuvialuit, as well as Nunavut’s three sub-regions Qikiqtaaluk, Kitikmeot, and Kivalliq.
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The heart of Northern Affiliation is building connections and relationships between the people of a region and its associated ship. Working with youth groups, community members, and local leaders, Affiliation is meant to cultivate a deep relationship and instill a shared pride with the communities and the ship’s crew.
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Spanning three territories and stretching as far as the North Pole, the Canadian North comprises more than 40 percent of Canada’s territory and 75 percent of the nation’s coastline. The expanse of the Canadian North, coupled with its ice-filled seas, harsh climate, and more than 36,000 islands make for a challenging region to monitor.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca