An Historic Year for Makivvik Corporation
Makivvik Press Release
December 12, 2017 – Kuujjuaq, Nunavik – Makivvik Corporation continues to work on behalf of Inuit Beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement, who live in 14 communities in Nunavik, Chisasibi and Montréal. 2017 was an historic year for Makivvik as we created Nuvviti Development Corporation to oversee our subsidiary companies, and Tarquti Energy Corporation with the FNCQ to develop renewable energy projects in the Nunavik Region.
Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik said, “On behalf of my fellow Makivvik Executives – Adamie Delisle Alaku, Andy Moorhouse, Andy Pirti, and Adamie Padlayat – the Makivvik Board of Directors, Nunavik Governors, and all our staff, we send you Christmas greetings, and wish you a safe and thoughtful holiday. We look forward to 2018 to celebrate Makivvik’s 40th anniversary with you.”
Here are month-by-month highlights from Makivvik’s activities in 2017:
January
Makivvik Election Results
Makivvik Executives Adamie Delisle Alaku and Andy Pirti both secured second mandates. Executive Vice-President of Renewable Resources Adamie Delisle Alaku was acclaimed, while Treasurer Andy Pirti won 68.3% of the votes cast to be re-elected for his second mandate as Makivvik Treasurer.
“Sivumut Project” Extends Raglan Mine to 2041
Makivvik and Glencore Mining announce amendments to the 1995 Raglan Agreement in support of the “Sivumut Project” which will extend the life of the Raglan Nickel mine from 2019 to approximately 2041. The Raglan mine is now operated by Glencore, a multi-national mining, energy, and agricultural company, which has over 4,500 employees across Canada.
The amendments were signed by Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik, and Glencore Vice-President, Kristan Straub at Glencore’s office in Laval, Quebec.
The amendments provide additional mitigation measures for potential and unforeseen impacts resulting from the Sivumut Project. In addition Glencore committed to undertakings for community infrastructure, improved communications, and economic development measures.
“The Sivumut Project, supported by the amendments we signed on January 27th, will provide a major boost to the economic development in Nunavik,” said Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik. “Additional capital will flow to the communities of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq, as well as to the entire Nunavik region. Inuit will benefit from the jobs created at the mine, and the potential to create small businesses to provide services to the mine.”
February
New Direction in Nunavik Minor Hockey
Inuit leaders from Makivvik and the Kativik Regional Government announced a new direction in Minor Hockey for Nunavik following a joint meeting to determine four hockey related funding applications to the Ungaluk Safer Communities Program, which took place on February 2, 2017.
The Joint Executives unanimously decided to develop Minor hockey at the community level in Nunavik, with more focus on regional development instead of competitions in southern Quebec, and to ensure that a greater number of youth have access to supported hockey for a longer period of time at the community level. This new approach is consistent with the findings of the evaluation of the Nunavik Youth Hockey Development Program (NYHDP) conducted by Goss Gilroy Inc. (GGI) – one of Canada’s leading program evaluation firms.
A special working group was created to develop recommendations and develop a new structure, called the Nunavik Minor Hockey Orientation Committee.
Creating Tarquti Energy Corporation
On Tuesday, February 21, 2017, Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik, and FCNQ President Aliva Tulugak made history by signing a Memorandum of Understanding creating a joint venture called Tarquti Energy Corporation. It specializes in developing renewable energy projects in Nunavik.
At the signing in Ivujivik, Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik stated, “This is an historic moment as the two main economic development organizations in our region will work together for the betterment of all Nunavimmiut. This new company will allow Nunavik Inuit to control the development of renewable energies in Nunavik and ensure that projects are environmentally sound and suitable for the region.”
“Tarquti” is a wooden or sometimes a piece of bone used to tend to a fire on a qulliq, a traditional Inuit stove fueled with oil from a seal or whale. The name was chosen at the Makivvik Annual General Meeting in Tasiujaq. The name Tarquti was originally suggested by members of the FCNQ at their annual meeting in Kangirsualujuaq.
“Through our FCNQ Fuel division, Inuit currently play a major role in Nunavik’s energy market,” said FCNQ President Aliva Tulugak. “On an annual basis we are selling more than 50-million litres of diesel and other fuels for electricity generation, home heating, and transportation. We want Inuit to lead the development of the renewable energy industry in Nunavik, and in the process take advantage of economies of scale, and create projects tailored to the needs of each community, which we know very well.”
March
Historic Announcement – Makivvik Creates a Development Corporation
On March 1st Makivvik announced the creation of a new Inuit Development Corporation to further develop regional businesses in Nunavik, 100% owned by Makivvik.
“This is a new chapter in our development,” said Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik. “We have been successful in managing our investment portfolio, our subsidiary companies, and joint ventures over the years. We want to go to the next level of professional business management, and in doing so ensure that the Beneficiaries’ Equity carefully administered over the years has even greater opportunities to grow, as well as providing better oversight to our subsidiary companies and joint ventures.”
The new company was the result of 18 months of research and analysis by a Makivvik Structural Review Committee composed of three members of the Makivvik Board of Directors, and senior Makivvik staff.
The new Development Corporation brings with it the creation of five new Board of Director positions for it, as well as for First Air, and Air Inuit. The Makivvik Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for making the appointments.
2017 Makivvik AGM Held in Tasiujaq
Makivvik held its Annual General Meeting at the Ajagutak school gym in Tasiujaq from March 20 – 23, 2017
The AGM heard reports of the creation of Makivvik’s new joint venture with the FCNQ – Tarquti Energy Corporation, and the newly created Makivvik Development Corporation. A Nunavik-wide naming contest was launched during the AGM for the Development Corporation. The meeting was broadcast live on TNI Radio.
April
Makivvik Concludes Five Year Housing Agreement
Negotiations on a Five Year Housing Agreement were concluded during 2017 which provides for the renewal of the housing agreement commencing April 1 2017 to March 31, 2020 and provides a 15% increase in funding commencing in the first year of the agreement together with increases based on inflation and population growth annually throughout the five year period. In addition, the agreement recognizes that the parties will continue to work together to improve access to housing for Nunavik residents and also contains a provision for the renewal of the agreement at the end of the five-year period. Funding for 2017-2018 under the agreement is $25.1-million.
In addition to this, for the 2018 construction season, Makivvik continues its efforts towards securing new funding for the construction of social housing directly from the federal government based on an announcement in the March 2017 federal budget of $4-billion over an 11-year period for indigenous infrastructure needs.
16th Ivakkak Dog Sled Race Held from Umiujaq to Ivujivik
For the 16th year Makivvik organized the Ivakkak dog sled race. The race finished in Ivujivik on April 16th, 2017. It began on 19 days earlier on March 28th in Umiujaq. Ten out of the 13 teams that started on March 28th finished the race.
Aisa Surusilak and his partner Aipilie Qumaluk won gold. Peter “Boy” Ittukallak and race partner Putugu Iqiquq won silver. Willie Cain Jr. and Putulik Saunders (Ivakkak 2016 champions) won bronze. Ivakkak 2017 is proud of our Inuit tradition of dog teaming that made our ancestors survive. Makivvik thanks the over two dozen sponsors for their ongoing support and generous contributions to keep this vital Inuit tradition alive.
May
Parnasimautik: A Renewed Engagement
A two-day Parnasimautilirijiit meeting was held at the Makivvik office in Kuujjuaq on May 2-3, 2017. It marked a renewed engagement in the process to identify a comprehensive vision of development according to Inuit culture, identity, language and traditional way of life. Leaders of the seven main Nunavik organizations (Makivvik, Kativik Regional Government, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Avataq Cultural Institute, Nunavik Land Holding Corporations Association, and the Qarjuit Youth Council) confirmed their commitment to work together on the fundamental issues and priorities set out in the 2014 Parnasimautik Consultation Report. A newsletter was launched to keep Nunavimmiut informed of developments in the Parnasimautik process.
Makivvik Expresses Deep Concerns over Nunavik Education
On May 9th, Makivvik issued a press release to communicate its concerns with the news that Nunavik students had not been receiving standard Secondary School Diplomas for several years, and instead had been presented with “attestations” (Attestation of Equivalence of Secondary Studies, or AESS) from the Kativik School Board (now Kativik Ilisarniliriniq). The problem stemmed from the math and science programs not meeting the Ministry of Education requirements.
At the time Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik stated, “The situation is critical for students in school. We will take all necessary actions to shed light on the situation. I am angry and disappointed that students and parents were not informed about the fact they were receiving an “attestation” instead of a real diploma when they were graduating for a number of years. I want to work with the KSB to solve the immediate issue, and more fundamentally address the education system in Nunavik,”
Makivvik subsequently wrote to the Minister of Education calling for an independent audit of the education system in Nunavik. Quebec has since agreed, and Makivvik will work with Kativik Ilisarniliriniq and the Ministry of Education to develop the scope of the audit.
Interim Rent Scale Announced
Makivvik and the Kativik Regional Government announced a new Interim Rent Scale with the Government of Quebec. It was later ratified by cabinet in June. Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik said at the time, “This will provide significant relief to the most critically affected families. Just under 70% of Nunavik families earn less than $34,000 per year. The new rent scale will help this segment of the Inuit population the most where rents will be reduced from 20% to as much as 75%. The change will free up much needed funds for food and clothing and I encourage Inuit to apply for reduced rent with the Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau (KMHB).”
Nunavik stakeholders are targeting July 1, 2020, for the implementation of a new permanent rent scale. The permanent rent scale will be based in part on more detailed analysis emerging from the Cost of Living in Nunavik Research Report released last November. The report was produced by Université Laval financed by KRG, Makivvik, and the Government of Québec. It showed that low-income families in Nunavik were spending 70.3% of household income on food and shelter versus only 41.3% for residents of Quebec City.
June
Nuvviti Development Corporation Named – First Board Meeting Held
Makivvik’s new development corporation received its name during a Board Meeting held in Kuujjuaq in early June.
“Nuvviti Development Corporation” was selected by the Makivvik Board of Directors out of a list of eight finalists as the winning name. It was submitted by three JBNQA Beneficiaries – Lucy Tukai of Inukjuak, Allen Gordon of Kuujjuaq, and Johnny Mususiapik of Kangiqsujuaq. In Inuktitut Nuvviti is the strong thick rope where all the dog team leads meet, and connect to the qamutik (dog sled).
At the end of June, the new members of the boards of Nuvviti Development Corporation, Air Inuit, and First Air met in Montreal for a day-long meet and greet style meeting with Makivvik Executives, and senior Makivvik staff. The three new Boards held their first meetings the next day. Tommy Palliser was appointed Chairman of the Nuvviti Development Corporation BOD, Noah Tayara was appointed Chairman of the Air Inuit BOD, and Johnny Adams was appointed Chairman of the First Air BOD.
Inuit Customary Adoption
Makivvik applauded the passing of Bill 113 on June 16th in Quebec’s National Assembly legalizing Inuit Customary Adoption. The Bill, formally known as “An Act to amend the Civil Code and other legislative provisions as regards adoption and the disclosure of information” was adopted with the unanimous consent of all parliamentarians.
Jobie Tukkiapik said at the time, “Nunavik Inuit have consistently called for Quebec’s laws to legally reflect the effects of our customary adoption regime. Although recognition is offered by the Constitution Act and at the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, a practical inclusion of the effects of our adoptions on the kinship of our Inuit children and their parents was considered crucial.”
Under the Bill, effects of Inuit customary adoptions will be recognized by law, under a mechanism provided for the Quebec Civil code enabling the issuance of a unique birth certificate reflecting the new lineage resulting from traditional Inuit custom adoption.
Zebedee Nungak Receives Quebec’s Highest Honour
Former Makivvik President Zebedee Nungak became a Knight of the National Order of Quebec during a ceremony at Quebec’s National Assembly on June 22nd. The Order of Quebec is the highest civilian honour Quebec’s government can bestow upon a person. It is awarded each year to individuals who, through some combination of achievements, values and ideals, have influenced Quebec’s growth, and contributed to its distinction.
Zebedee Nungak has contributed to Nunavik’s contemporary development through serving as a negotiator and signatory of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), as former Makivvik President, and Vice-President, CBC Radio commentator, author, linguist, hunter, and musician. Nungak has, in short, given over great portions of his life to the political, social and economic development of the Nunavik region.
Makivvik Vice-President of Renewable Resources Adamie Delisle Alaku attended the ceremony in Quebec City to witness the historic event. In a press statement issued on the day of the event, President Jobie Tukkiapik said at the time, “Zebedee, on behalf of the Makivvik Board of Directors, Governors, Executives, and all Nunavimmiut, we salute your contribution to improving life in Nunavik. Your critical spirit has served our region well, and continues to do so.”
Ullivik Official Opening Ceremony
Makivvik was pleased to attend the official opening ceremony of the new Ullivik patient centre in Dorval on June 27th. Ullivik means “a place where we wait for the weather to clear”. The new centre provides a place for Inuit patients to stay, along with their families, while receiving health services unavailable in Nunavik. Makivvik contributed the stone Inuksuk in front of the building.
Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik was one of many officials who spoke at the ceremony. He said, “Four decades ago, Inuit had basic health care, or none at all. Now, in 2017 all our communities have health centres with at least Nurse Practitioners. We have small hospitals in Kuujjuaq and Puvirnituq. Patients with serious health issues are “medevac’d” – flown – to Montreal. Long term health care issues, notably cancer, require a place to stay for weeks, sometimes months.”
July
Tarquti Energy Officially Incorporated
On July 20th, Tarquti Energy Inc. was officially incorporated in the Quebec Business Registry, part of the Quebec Revenue Department. Tarquti is the renewable energy joint venture company between Makivvik and the FCNQ launched on February 21, 2017, in Ivujivik at the Makivvik Board of Directors meeting.
Historic Supreme Court Decision Supports Inuit Rights
On July 26, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered a decision in favour of Inuit in the case of Clyde River vs. Petroleum Geo-Services Inc. (PGS). The case was years in the making as it involved the Norwegian company PGS that wanted to conduct seismic testing in the waters off Clyde River, Nunavut in search of offshore oil. Canada’s National Energy Board (NEB) granted PGS a permit to conduct the testing, which Inuit contested in court, which ended up in the Supreme Court of Canada.
A key issue in the case was the Crown’s Duty to Consult Indigenous Peoples. Makivvik was an intervener in the case, along with Nunavut Tungavik Incorporated (NTI), the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC).
In their ruling, Justices Karakatsanis and Brown wrote, “While the NEB considered potential impacts of the project on marine mammals and on Inuit traditional resource use, its report does not acknowledge, or even mention, the Inuit treaty rights to harvest wildlife in the Nunavut Settlement Area, or that deep consultation was required.”
The Supreme Court concluded that the Crown breached its duty to consult the appellants (Inuit of Clyde River) in respect of the proposed seismic testing. The court supported the Inuit of Clyde River, awarded them court costs, and overturned the NEB’s permit to PGS.
Makivvik’s Vice-President of Renewable Resources Adamie Delisle Alaku was in Ottawa for the historic decision, and was very pleased with the outcome. “Inuit harvesting must be considered as a constitutionally-protected treaty right, not as an afterthought.”
August
“Qanuilirpitaa? 2017” Health Survey Begins
The largest most complex health survey ever conducted in Nunavik began on August 19th in Kuujjuaraapik, and concluded in October in Kuujjuaq after visiting all 14 coastal Nunavik communities. It was initiated by Inuit for Inuit, and the data collected will belong to the communities. The survey was conducted using the Amundsen coast guard icebreaker. About a third of the $7.5-million study was funded by the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS). Makivvik contributed $500,000 over three years. The research includes questionnaires, clinical tests, and laboratory results analyzed. During the two-month journey, a total of 2,000 randomly chosen Inuit participants 16 years and over took part. A final report is expected in 2018.
Makivvik Welcomes Abolition of Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Makivvik Corporation welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Monday, August 28th to dissolve the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and create two new departments to better serve Inuit, Métis, and First Nations in Canada.
“Inuit of Nunavik take note of this historic change to reduce existing colonial structures so that relations with us can be improved. In making this change, the government has acknowledged that the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) was primarily charged with implementing the Indian Act, and not conceived of to support and partner with Inuit. The replacement of INAC with two new departments, we hope, will reflect the distinct place Inuit have in Canada,” said Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik.
September
Makivvik, the City of Montreal, and Véhicule Press co-host Zebedee Nungak Book Launch
On September 12th a remarkable event was held in the ornate foyer of Montreal City hall to launch Zebedee Nungak’s book, Wrestling with Colonialism on Steroids: Quebec Inuit Fight for their Homeland.
“Zebedee Nungak, signatory to the James Bay Agreement, and past President of Makivvik Corporation, as well as many other important positions, has witnessed first-hand parts of our recent history that has brought Nunavik to where it is today. We all owe a great debt to Zebedee for his contribution to the development of our region,” said Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik.
The book chronicles Zebedee Nungak’s perspective on the struggle of the Inuit of northern Québec in the 1970s to stand up to the Government of Quebec and halt construction of the James Bay Hydro project. The David and Goliath battle resulted in the eventual negotiation and signing, along with the Cree, of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
Nunavik Sivunitsavut Opening Ceremony
Makivvik was present for the official opening of the Nunavik Sivunitsavut program in Montreal on September 20th. The first-year class has 18 students from Nunavik. The program is funded thanks to a grant of slightly over $665-thousand from the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). Major funding is also provided by the Kativik School Board, and John Abbott College. Makivvik Corporation has contributed $80,000 towards the first year of the program. It is being given at the Avataq Cultural Institute offices in Westmount.
Makivvik Treasurer Andy Pirti was at the opening providing words of support to the first-year students. Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik was at an elder’s conference in Kuujjuaraapik on the day of the opening, and sent a note saying that Makivvik and all Nunavik organizations encourage everyone in their studies ahead, and we support and encourage the teachers at NS.
The program is the first of its kind for Nunavik and is designed to graduate students with a better knowledge of their Inuit heritage and recent history. It’s to prepare Inuit youth for further post-secondary studies, develop skills relevant to positions in Nunavik institutions, and support the creation of a critical mass of culturally confident youth equipped to lead the political and social future of Nunavik and beyond.
Inuit to Crown Partnership Committee Meets Following ITK AGM in Nain
Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik was at the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Annual General Meeting held in Nain, Nunatsiavut during the week of September 25th. Makivvik Treasurer Andy Pirti and Corporate Secretary Adamie Padlayat were also Makivvik delegates at the ITK AGM.
Following the ITK AGM an Inuit to Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) meeting was held. The Government of Canada was represented at the meeting by the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Honourable Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, Minister of Health. Parliamentary Secretary Arif Virani attended as an observer representing the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Parliamentary Secretary Yvonne Jones (CIRNA), Member of Parliament for Labrador, attended as an observer.
Inuit leadership was represented by National Inuit Leader Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, President Johannes Lampe of the Nunatsiavut Government, President Jobie Tukkiapik of Makivvik Corporation, President Aluki Kotierk of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, President and CEO Duane Smith of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. Inuit observers to the meeting were President Nancy Karetak-Lindell of the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, President Rebecca Kudloo of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada and President Ruth Kaviok of the National Inuit Youth Council.
The ICPC was launched in Iqaluit in February 2017 following an ITK Board meeting. The Prime Minister and Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs were there for the launch of the process.
The work of the Committee is designed to transform the way Inuit and the federal government work together on ITK’s shared priorities with the federal government, including in the following areas: health and wellness; Inuktut revitalization, maintenance, and promotion; Inuit Nunangat policy; Inuit-Crown Land Claims Agreements; education, early learning, and skills development; and reconciliation measures. Convening the Committee three times each year, including once with the Prime Minister, will allow ITK to report back on and monitor the objectives and actions we have set out together.
October
Makivvik Announced $16.8-million for Regional Initiatives for the fiscal year 2017-2018
Following its annual fall Board of Directors Budget Meeting Makivvik announced $16.8-million for a wide range of Nunavik initiatives for the fiscal year October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018.
“Due to solid returns from our financial portfolio, which resulted in a $3-million dividend from First Air, and a $2-million dividend from Air Inuit, we are proud to once again be in a position to allocate funds to all communities,” said Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik. “The $16.8-million in allocations is made possible as a result of a strong financial focus in recent years aimed at achieving immediate objectives while at the same time growing Makivvik’s Beneficiaries’ Equity to ensure continued benefit for generations to come.”
$5.8-million of the funds were allocated to annual community donations based on per capita allocations, the Hospital Patients Fund, and Various Community Funds such as Recreation & Leisure, Elders, Junior Rangers, JBNQA Day, National Aboriginal Day, Church, and Community Donations.
$11-million were allocated from the Sanarrutik Fund for organizations and regional initiatives. Included was $1-million over two years for the new Isuarsivik Treatment Centre in Kuujjuaq, which would benefit the entire Nunavik region. It is a priority issue Makivvik is supporting and bringing to the attention of the Quebec and Canadian governments.
“Together, over the course of three and a half days of discussions on a wide range of issues, the Makivvik Board of Directors, Governors, and Makivvik Executives have made funding decisions for the benefit of all of Nunavik,” said Makivvik Treasurer Andy Pirti. A detailed chart was issued at the time of the announcement on October 11th.
Historic Agreement Reached on Conservation of Ungava Caribou Management
On October 17th, at a press conference in Montreal, the Ungava Peninsula Caribou Aboriginal Round Table (UPCART) signed an historic agreement to preserve and manage caribou in the Ungava Peninsula. The Agreement is between the seven Indigenous peoples who traditionally share this important food and cultural resource. It is in response to the population crashes in both the George River and Leaf River Caribou Herds.
UPCART Co-Chair Adamie Delisle Alaku, and Executive Vice-President of Makivvik Corporation, Resource Development said at the time, “This is unprecedented. We believe there is no other agreement of this kind in Canada between Indigenous peoples for cooperative wildlife management. Caribou has always been a vital part of our Indigenous culture – spiritually, culturally, as well as providing food, shelter, and clothing.”
The agreement will implement a long-term caribou management strategy – the result of four years of meetings held in northern locations stretching across the 1.5-million square kilometer Ungava peninsula. The 55-page management strategy is called “A Long Time Ago in the Future: Caribou and the People of Ungava”.
Parnasimautilirijiit Meets in Kuujjuaq
A lengthy agenda with 19 items on it greeted leaders of the seven main Nunavik organizations that make up the Parnasimautik group on October 23-26, 2017 at Makivvik’s head office.
Since May considerable work had been accomplished on many fronts in the process, notably the working groups on Lands and Avataq. The leaders discussed progress made on education, with KI reporting that standard High School Diplomas would now be awarded KI graduates. A presentation was made on the new Isuarsivik addiction treatment project in Kuujjuaq, and a discussion on the impending legalization of Cannabis was held. The group also continued work to develop a MOU for the Parnasimautik process and create an office within Makivvik to provide administrative support for the initiative.
Quebec Premier Visits Nunavik
On October 26th Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard visited Nunavik accompanied by Ministers Geoffrey Kelley and Luc Blanchette, and Ungava MNA Jean Boucher. They met with the Parnasimautik group and had a prepared agenda of seven key items: Education, Health, Youth, Culture, Housing, Cost of Living, and issues related to the Landholding Corporations in Nunavik.
November
Charting the new Path of Hockey in Nunavik
Makivvik announced details for the 2017-2018 Hockey Season, and progress made by the Nunavik Minor Hockey Orientation Committee.
For the 2017-2018 season Makivvik hired a Regional Hockey Coordinator, provided funding to communities to hire Local Hockey Trainers (LHTs), the organization of coaching clinics for the LHTs, organization of youth hockey development clinics in the communities, and regional hockey tournaments at the end of the hockey season.
The Nunavik Minor Hockey Orientation Committee was formed in the spring of 2017. It is composed of representatives from Makivvik, the Kativik Regional Government, Mayors, Youth, Parents, and local hockey representatives, was mandated to develop a vision for a minor hockey structure and development in Nunavik. The Committee is in the process of developing recommendations for its final report.
The mission statement developed by the Committee for hockey in Nunavik is “To have a self-sustaining, community-driven, culturally respectful hockey program that helps enrich the lives of youth in Nunavik.”
Makivvik goes solar in Kuujjuaq
We report on a project to connect our head office and the Nunavik Research Centre to a series of solar panels installed on the roofs, and the side of the Nunavik Research Centre. The project was funded with a grant of $557,000 from the REACHE program (Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program). It’s part of the Hydro-Québec Net Metering Program. The combined capacity of the solar panels is 70Kw.
Makivvik’s Economic Development Department took the lead in carrying out the project, sourcing funding, finding a firm with experience in the design and installation of solar panels in Arctic communities, and applying to Hydro-Québec’s Net Metering Program.
“We would expect the amount of electricity generated to decrease in the winter months due to the lack of sun, but are very curious and optimistic about the amount of power we will generate in the spring and summer months. The system has an internet connection, so it can be monitored remotely,” said Makivvik Vice President of Economic Development Andy Moorhouse. “We will be observing the electricity production and the effects of ice and snow on the solar panel array for the coming years. Makivvik Corporation has spent over five years on renewable energy research in the region.”
December
Candidates Announced for the Makivvik Presidential Election
On December 6th the names of the candidates running for the position of Makivvik President were announced. They are: Alasie Saggiak Arngak, Lucy Grey, Jobie Tukkiapik, Charlie Watt Sr., Jackie Williams.
Election day is on Thursday January 18, 2018. Polling hours are from 10:00am – 6:00pm. Polling stations in Nunavik communities will be at the local Landholding Corporation office. In Montreal Inuit can vote at Makivvik’s office in Ville St. Laurent. Advance polls are on Friday January 12, 2018 from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Brief to the Government of Quebec on the issue of Cannabis
Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik made a presentation to the National Assembly’s Committee on Health and Social Services in the context of the special consultations and public hearings held in Quebec City on Bill-157, An Act to constitute the Société québécoise du cannabis, to enact the Cannabis Regulation Act and to amend various highway safety-related provisions.
Presenting with Jobie Tukkiapik were QYC President Alicia Aragutak, Sarah Aloupa, Executive member of KI, and Françoise Bouchard, Director of Public Health for the NRBHSS.
“We felt it was essential to be here today to present our general support to the cautious approach proposed by Quebec on the legalization of cannabis but also to express the serious concerns we have with regards to the legalization of cannabis and its potential impacts for our population,” said Jobie.
During the presentation, Jobie Tukkiapik stated, “Similar to alcohol, we believe that the availability of cannabis in Nunavik should be limited and controlled as much as possible. While we fully support the objective to curtail the black market, at this point, we cannot support the establishment of retail outlets in our region. We need to consult our communities. We recommend that a working committee be created between our organizations, and possibly others, and the government to more fully explore the options and their impacts.”
Jobie Tukkiapik then concluded by requesting a commitment of financial and policy support from the government. The region’s organizations are requesting to get their fair share of the Cannabis Prevention and Research Fund, to be represented on the Oversight committee to be created to advise the minister on any cannabis-related matter, and that a working committee be established with the government to discuss the region’s concerns and fully explore options that will need to be culturally relevant.
New Social Housing Units Ready by Christmas
Makivvik’s Construction Division had one of its busiest years ever with the building of 214 units in nine communities. All units are scheduled for delivery to Nunavik families by Christmas 2017. In the interim, a new Housing Needs Survey issued by the Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau in 2017 found that notwithstanding the 260 housing units constructed in 2015 and 2016, the housing deficit has in fact grown by 75 units from 1030 in 2015 to 1,105 units in 2017.
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Contact:
William Tagoona
Communications Coordinator and Media Relations
Makivvik Corporation
Tel. 819-964-2925
wtagoona@makivik.org
www.makivik.org
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.