QUEBEC CITY, November 13, 2025 – Makivvik’s Executives and Board of Directors met with Premier Legault, MNA Ian Lafrenière (Inuit and Indigenous Relations, Public Security, Région Nord-du-Québec), and President Nathalie Roy at Quebec’s National Assembly this afternoon for a gathering to mark 50 years since the signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). The meeting recognized five decades of cooperation between Quebec and Nunavik and reaffirmed the ongoing importance of the Agreement for Inuit rights and governance.
Signed in 1975 by the Northern Quebec Inuit Association, the Grand Council of the Crees, the Governments of Quebec and Canada, and Hydro-Québec, the JBNQA was a turning point in Canadian history. It was the first modern treaty to define the legal rights of Inuit and Cree in Northern Quebec and laid the foundation for Indigenous self-determination in Canada. From it came the creation of Makivvik, which manages the compensation funds and leads economic and social development of Nunavik Inuit
Fifty years later, the JBNQA remains the cornerstone of Nunavik’s modern governance. The discussions in Quebec today emphasized that Inuit rights must not only be strengthened but fully respected as Nunavik continues to grow and develop.
Reflecting upon the impact of the signing of the JBNQA on the political landscape of Nunavik, President Aatami highlighted the courage of Inuit who took a stand and fought for their rights:
“Fifty years ago, Inuit stood up to defend our land, our language, and our future. That moment reaffirmed our place in this country and reshaped the direction of Canada itself. It ensured that decisions about our homeland would be made with our leadership and continues to guide the work we do today.”
He noted that the signing of the Agreement marked a milestone for Inuit:
“It set a precedent that influenced other Indigenous nations and transformed the relationship between Indigenous peoples and federal and provincial governments. The JBNQA remains a living commitment that defines how we govern and how governments meet their responsibilities.”
The meeting in Quebec City followed a powerful commemoration ceremony held in Kuujjuaq on Tuesday, November 11, where the Makivvik Executives honoured Inuit who signed the agreement and paid tribute to the families of those that have passed. Held at Katittavik Town Hall, the event featured an exhibition retracing five decades of Nunavik’s history and the people who shaped it. The program included speeches by Pita Aatami and the original signatories as along with the premiere of the commemorative documentary “A Nation in the North: Nunavik at 50,” produced by Makivvik. The evening concluded with a concert by renowned Inuk artist Elisapie Isaac, whose performance celebrated the enduring strength and spirit of Nunavik.
Makivvik is proud of the progress achieved since 1975 in protecting and advancing Inuit rights and remains committed to ensuring that this foundation continues to grow stronger in the years ahead.
For more information on the history of the JBQNA, see the following:
https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency/corporate/james-bay-northern-quebec-agreement.html
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Contact:
Katharine Morrill
Director of Communications, Makivvik
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.