SALLUIT, May 4, 2026 – Makivvik honoured Aupaluk’s Maggie Akpahatak and Kuujjuaq’s Peter May with the Order of Nunavik at this year’s Annual General Meeting, held last week in Salluit. Maggie, the first of our recipients, served as Makivvik’s Community Director for Aupaluk for nearly 20 years. A former teacher and lay minister, she is known in her community for her remarkable kindness, wisdom, and compassion; she continues to serve her fellow Aupalumiut as Mayor. Maggie, who joined the meeting in Salluit to accept her award in person, has left her mark on Nunavik as a protector of culture and role model for younger generations.
Peter May, this year’s second recipient, was selected on the basis of his outstanding contributions to the field of wildlife biology. Among other accomplishments, he is a contributing author to the Quebec Breeding Bird Atlas, member of the Nunavik Marine Region Impact Review Board, and eminent scholar whose work appears in numerous publications, including a forthcoming volume on birds in Nunavik. Peter is also an accomplished taxidermist and businessman as well as an educator who works with young Nunavimmiut to foster interest in the natural world. Peter was sadly unable to travel to Salluit to accept his award; the presentation took place over Zoom.
Nominations for the Order of Nunavik are accepted year-round, with the window to nominate an individual for a given year closing mid-February. Makivvik will continue to promote the nomination process on social media throughout the year.
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Contact:
Katharine Morrill
Director of Communications, Makivvik
kmorrill@makivvik.ca
www.makivvik.ca
Makivvik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in
Nunavik. Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.