PRESS RELEASE
October 05, 2021 – Montreal, Quebec – In light of recent media coverage regarding Batshaw Youth and Family Centres, an organization responsible for providing group home services to Inuit youth who are transferred to Montreal due to a lack of resources within Nunavik, Makivvik wishes to reiterate that discussions are underway to improve the situation for Nunavik youth who are under the care of the centre.
“Makivvik currently has an open dialogue with Batshaw in order to enhance services given to young Inuit. At the same time, discussions are ongoing with Minister Carmant in order to develop our own culturally appropriate services in Nunavik. Also, I would like to reaffirm that any issue regarding Inuit, whether in Nunavik or in Montreal, must be discussed directly with Makivvik and Nunavik regional organization,” Makivvik President Pita Aatami said.
Makivvik is particularly concerned with the erosion of Inuit culture, which inherently occurs when Inuit are removed from the region and no longer given the opportunity to practice their traditional practices. More resources also need to be made available so youth who find themselves in the south can stay in better communication with their families in the north. Further to this, government and systems that enforce the DYP system need to come up with concreate plans to ensure that the youth in the south are given the required opportunities to return home to their families.
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Contact:
Carson Tagoona
Director of Communications
Makivvik
ctagoona@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.