Press Release
January 26, 2022 – Kuujjuaq, Nunavik – Makivvik’s Executive, Board Members and Staff send their deepest condolences to the family of former employee Bern Pennee.
Bern Pennee began his service to the Inuit of Nunavik when he joined NQIA at the young age of 30 and was with Makivvik at its inception in 1978. As the head of Makivvik’s legal team, Bern was an integral part of most of the corporate agreements signed since then.
Bern played an instrumental role in many of the corporations’ achievements, including but not limited to, the acquisition of First Air, the Raglan Agreement (first Impact and Benefit Agreement in Canada), the Nunavik Nickel Agreement and the Sannarutik Agreement. Bern was in the background of many of Makivvik successes, and played a key, supportive role there and to all Inuit of Nunavik.
“It’s a sad day for Makivvik,” says Makivvik President Pita Aatami. “Ever since I joined the corporation in 1987 as the local board member for Kuujjuaq, Bern was there lending a very supportive hand to all of us. He dedicated his life to and contributed so much towards the betterment of the Inuit in Nunavik. I send my deepest condolences to Bern Pennee’s wife and his loved ones. He will be missed by all of us and will forever be in our hearts.”
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Contact:
Carson Tagoona
Director of Communications
Makivvik
ctagoona@makivik.org
www.makivik.org
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.