Press Release
August 23, 2013, Rankin Inlet, Nunavut-The President of the Makivvik, Jobie Tukkiapik, says he is pleased a meeting between Inuit Leaders and Prime Minister Stephen Harper took place in Rankin Inlet yesterday. It was the first meeting of its kind.
Jobie Tukkiapik was one of several Inuit leaders from Nunavik, Nunavut, NWT and Nunatsiavut along with Terry Audla, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami at the meeting with the Prime Minister. The Arctic Leaders highlighted major issues in the north which need attention by the Canadian Government.
These include Resource and Economic Development, Skills Development and Training, Shortage of Housing, Marine Traffic and Search and Rescue. These challenging areas have been identified by Arctic Inuit Leaders and they cannot be solved without serious attention by the Prime Minister and the Canadian Government.
The Makivvik President emphasized on Nunavik specific issues such as the alarming housing crisis, the rising cost of living and the need for continued support for telecommunication infrastructure. He also addressed his concerns with Canada’s Northern Strategy which traditionally excludes Nunavik Inuit from its programs and initiatives.
In his remarks to the Prime Minister, Jobie Tukkiapik said “I am hopeful that this meeting will serve to renew discussions on these important topics and lay a path for progress in ways that will truly benefit families living in Nunavik and all the Inuit regions of the country”.
For additional information:
William Tagoona
Senior communications officer
Makivvik
819.964.2925
wtagoona@makivik.org