March 1, 2018, Quaqtaq, Nunavik (QC) – Makivvik met in Quaqtaq, Nunavik during the week of February 19 for a Board of Directors meeting. During a presentation from Andy Moorhouse, Vice-President of Economic Development, the Makivvik Board of Directors approved the support for the creation of a Regional Chamber of Commerce for Nunavik.
“The creation of a Chamber of Commerce for the Nunavik region will further promote and increase awareness of the needs of Nunavik Inuit Enterprise and in economic development of our region in many ways,” said Andy Moorhouse. “From the support to young entrepreneurs to assisting established businesses in accessing additional services that may not necessarily available, the much-needed Chamber will ensure to close the gap in the needs in services for Nunavik Inuit Enterprises and putting our region on the map, it’s an important development tool for Nunavik.”
In addition to the creation of a Nunavik Chamber of Commerce, Makivvik will work with regional organizations and Nunavik entrepreneurs to commence operations for the new Chamber. Makivvik’s Economic Development Department (EDD) will assist with Chamber activities on a temporary basis, until such time that permanent funding and staffing is secured.
In 2016, consultations took place with regional entrepreneurs and it was recommended to consider the creation of a chamber of commerce for Nunavik. After discussions with the Kativik Regional Government (KRG), and other entrepreneurs from the region, the Economic Development Department in collaboration with Makivvik legal team, prepared the documents needed for the creation of the Chamber, namely initial bylaws and charter.
The EDD is ready to take the lead and create the chamber in the coming weeks. It will be incorporated as a non-profit Corporation under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. Makivvik will be a member, and play a role in the Administration, by naming one director out of seven. The other six directors will be elected amongst the membership from the region. Directors elected will come from Hudson Bay communities (2), Hudson Strait communities (2) and Ungava communities (2).
Upon incorporation, the chamber of commerce would have an initial and temporary Board of Directors until its first annual general meeting. A membership drive would be held, and Makivvik would play an initial role to Administer the Chamber of Commerce until permanent staffing is found.
To assist in the initial activities of the Chamber, and for incorporation, Andy Moorhouse, with support from Makivvik Executives and Board of Directors, has appointed Christine Nakoolak and Charlie Alaku as initial directors of the Chamber of Commerce.
Contact:
William Tagoona
Communications Coordinator and Media Relations
Makivvik
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.