Winter

Johnny Peters and the late Peter Audlaluk have been honoured with the Order of Nunavik for their lifelong dedication to working for the betterment of their fellow Nunavik Inuit. Makivvik executives recognized the two new Order of Nunavik recipients during Makivvik’s 2022 Annual General Meeting in Kangirsuk in April.

Peter Audlaluk was lauded for his work as a strong advocate for Nunavik hunters. Peter was a long-time mayor of his hometown Ivujivik, as well as a culture teacher with a passion for showing Nunavik youth that it is possible to make a living off the land. Makivvik hoped that Peter would be well enough to attend the AGM in person to accept the Order of Nunavik award, but sadly he passed away before it took place. His wife, Eva Audlaluk was present at the AGM and accepted the award on his behalf.

Johnny Peters, who has a long history representing his fellow Inuit at both the international and regional levels, was also honoured. Johnny’s involvement with politics began in the 1970s during which time he held many roles. He was a Co-op member and later manager before becoming a board member of the then newly created Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. He was also a member of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association and worked as a Field Worker for them. Johnny went on to become a Makivvik executive during the corporation’s formative years, and he held an executive role for a cumulative total of 23 years. As well, he played an instrumental role in the negotiation of the NILCA Agreement, and was Nunavimmiut’s Minister of Wildlife, always at the table during wildlife talks to protect Inuit interests.

Makivvik President Pita Aatami spoke to the accomplishments of both Order of Nunavik recipients. “I’m very proud of the lifetime of work carried out by these two men. They are both individuals that looked at the Inuit way of life and said, ‘this is something that needs to be protected.’ I spent many years working alongside Johnny Peters, and his dedication to the various wildlife files that make up a big part of our culture is truly admirable,” he said. “Peter Audlaluk also spent much of his lifetime protecting and promoting our way of life. I had hoped that we could have had Peter join us in person, but his sudden passing was something that we were sad to learn of. I wanted to ensure that the awarding of the Order of Nunavik in his name went forward during our AGM, as the work that he dedicated his life to had to be recognized.”

The Order of Nunavik Program celebrates the accomplishments of Nunavik Inuit of all ages and inspires Nunavik beneficiaries to strive to reach their goals. Makivvik is currently in the process of reworking the nomination process for the Order and will announce the updated nomination and awarding process later this year.