Press Release
Montreal, Qc -June 13, 2012 – Makivvik is pleased to be associated with the tabling of the Act to amend the Civil Code and other legislative provisions as regards adoption and parental authority, which includes provisions on Aboriginal customary adoption to the Civil code of Quebec.
Under the Bill, the effects of the Inuit customary adoption are to be recognized while, under a mechanism developed in partnership with the Makivvik, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services and with other Aboriginal Nations representation, a birth certificate will be issued reflecting the new lineage created pursuant to this secular tradition.
Inuit customary adoption in Nunavik, an ancestral yet living practice whereby one out of every five newborns is adopted, needed an official and non equivocal inclusion of its effects to the Quebec civil code, in the respect of the parents and children’s civil, constitutional and treaty rights.
This long-lasting request, initiated in Nunavik by its regional organizations in the 90s and reiterated at the April 16, 2012 report of the Working Group on Aboriginal Customary Adoption in Quebec (the Working Group), has been positively received by the Quebec Government under the leadership of its Minister of Justice, Mr. Jean-Marc Fournier, with the tabling of said Bill to the National Assembly, this morning of June 13 2012.
Jobie Tukkiapik, President of Makivvik, stated: “We were pleased to be associated with the development of those modifications to the Quebec Civil code and this positive outcome shall, at last, resolve the everyday difficulties faced by our customary parents and children, in the respect of the Nunavik Inuit customary laws, rights and traditions”.
Makivvik, while reserving its further comments regarding the Bill at a later date, renews its collaboration with the Quebec Government towards the review, establishment and implementation of this innovative approach.
The Makivvik is a not-for-profit corporation mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for in 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 Nunavik communities.
To access official Québec documents mentioned in this press release:
http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/ministere/dossiers/adoption/adoption-a.htm
-30-
For additional information:
Kitty Gordon
Communications Officer
Makivvik
514.745.8880 ext. 2215
kgordon@makivik.org