Joint Avataq – Makivvik Press Release
Nunavik Inuit Create “Sukak” Language Authority to Preserve Inuktitut
October 21, 2026 – Montreal, Quebec – Avataq, Nunavik’s Inuit Cultural Institute and Makivvik Corporation signed an historic Commitment to Action to create the “Sukak” Language Authority. It will have the task to save the Inuktitut language in Nunavik, with the long-term goal of making it thrive, as it once did in the Inuit homeland.
“This is a vital step in saving our language,” said William Tagoona, President of the Avataq Cultural Institute. “We have spent decades working towards this day, with the many Elders’ Conferences we have held, starting in 1981, the substantial report Illirijavut – That Which We Treasure on the Inuktitut language, and the Declaration To A Secure Future For Inuktitut in Nunavik we signed in 2023. In that Declaration we promised to create a language authority in Nunavik, and today we’re committing to doing that by March 31, 2027.”
The Commitment to Action was signed in the presence of 32 Inuit delegates, taking part in the 2026 Avataq Elders’ Conference, being held in the Montreal area. Following the signing by Avataq President William Tagoona, and Makivvik President Pita Aatami, as well as Treasurers Willia Ningiuk for Avataq, and George Berthe for Makivvik, Inuit Elders then signed to witness the document collectively.
“The preservation of the Inuit language was not included as part of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, signed in 1975,” said Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik Corporation. “We have the mandate to implement that Agreement, and improve the lives of Inuit. Language is central to our lives, and so we are proud to work with Avataq and support Avataq’s historic work in the preservation of our beloved language. We are solidly committed to working with Avataq in the creation of Sukak.”
The Commitment to Action states, “When the illuvigaq dome begins to sag and soften, Inuit raise a sukak inside it, a pole planted in the floor to brace the roof, so the family beneath stays safe and warm. For generations, colonial policies have pressed down on Inuktitut, forcing its dome to soften.
Now, we raise Sukak Uqausilirinirmut Angajurqauvik, the pole from within, so Inuktitut stands strong for our children and theirs. Sukak takes its place beside Makivvik and Avataq, carrying one purpose:
to keep Inuktitut alive in every part of life in Nunavik, for all time.”
“We started doing this language work, years ago, with nothing,” said Zebedee Nungak, Avataq Senior Language Expert. “Our grandparents were the last of our true Inuktitut speakers. The changes began at the time we were put in schools. Our children are losing the ability to speak Inuktitut. The situation is critical. We’ll be working in all Nunavik communities with the local cultural committees to preserve the Inuktitut language. We’re planning a foundational SUKAK language summit for early 2028.”
A joint working group, composed of eight members, has existed between the two organizations, developing the structure of the new Language Authority, leading up to the signing of the Commitment to Action on October 14th.
Contact:
Joanna Rowe
Avataq Communications Officer
jrowe@avataq.qc.ca
(514) 449-1968
Katharine Morrill
Makivvik Communications Director
kmorrill@makivvik.ca
(514) 745-8880 ext. 2227
The Avataq Cultural Institute provides a strong foundation for the living culture of today’s Inuit. Since its
inception in 1980, Avataq has built a solid reputation as the cultural leader for Nunavik Inuit and as an important
resource for Inuit culture in Canada and beyond. Our goal is to ensure that Inuit culture and language continue
to thrive into the future, so that our descendants can benefit from the rich heritage passed down to us through
the wisdom of our ancestors.
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.