Kangirsuk, Nunavik – February 24, 2023 – Makivvik is pleased to announce that it has selected two well-known community leaders to assume the role of Self-Determination negotiators and lead Nunavik’s discussions with both the Canadian and Quebec governments. Anthony Ittoshat and Tunu Napartuk were chosen for the shared role from a slate of highly qualified candidates following an extensive interview process.
Makivvik President, Pita Aatami, expressed his satisfaction with the selection, stating, “I am confident that Anthony Ittoshat and Tunu Napartuk are the right people to represent Nunavik’s interests in these negotiations. Makivvik is pleased to have selected two exceptional leaders whose combined professional and negotiating experience can only benefit our efforts. I am confident that their expertise, dedication, and passion for Inuit rights will help us achieve meaningful progress in our pursuit of self-determination.”
Current Kuujjuarapik mayor, Anthony Ittoshat, is a well-known community leader who has been actively involved for many years in initiatives to promote the rights and well-being of Nunavik Inuit. He has significant experience as a negotiator including on the Great Whale River Project, the Sanarrutik Agreement as well as the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA). Mr. Ittoshat was previous an elected member of the Makivvik Executive and served as the organization’s treasurer for nearly 15 years.
Tunu Napartuk is a respected community leader and negotiator. The former mayor of Kuujjuaq has a strong track record of advocating for Inuit rights and has been involved in several initiatives aimed at promoting economic development and self-sufficiency in the region. He is fluent in Inuktitut, English and French languages and has experience negotiating as a member of the union at the Kativik Regional Government (KRG), as well as with the union as a member of KRG’s Executive.
Interviews with candidates were held through the end of January 2023. Each candidate was asked questions related to the Self-Determination mandate including their experience interacting with various levels of government, understanding of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) and the NILCA, as well as their negotiating and professional experience.
Moving negotiations forward on self-determination is of the utmost importance to Makivvik. The corporation will continue to work closely with Anthony Ittoshat, Tunu Napartuk, and other actual advisors and stakeholders to ensure that the rights and interests of Inuit are fully represented in the negotiation process.
For more information about Makivvik and its initiatives, please visit our website at www.makivvik.ca.
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Contact:
Carson Tagoona
Director of Communications
ctagoona@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.