PRESS RELEASE
April 25, 2022 – Montreal, Quebec – Makivvik wishes to acknowledge the passing of accomplished Nunavik leader Simeonie Nalukturuk.
Simeonie had a long history of representing his fellow Nunavimmiut in many capacities; His first elected position was as President of the Community Council in Inukjuak in 1972 and later as Mayor, he also held many regional roles. He was President of the Nunavik Constitutional Committee (NCC), where he spoke on early self-determination talks post-JBNQA, and was also the chairman of the KRG.
Simeonie held various elected positions within Makivvik through the years. He was the community director for Inukjuak in Makivvik’s year of inception,1978, went on to be elected as the Corporate Secretary in 1980, third vice-president in 1983, and Makivvik President in 1994, during which time he signed the Raglan agreement.
“I give my deepest condolences to Simeonie’s wife Alasie and their loved ones. When Simeonie was elected President in 1994 I was serving as Makivvik’s Treasurer. I got to work closely with Simeonie during this time and his dedication to his fellow Inuit was admirable. He spent much of his life representing his fellow Inuit in many different ways and I thank him for this,” said Makivvik President Pita Aatami.
Makivvik’s Executive, Board Members and Staff send their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Simeonie Nalukturuk.
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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.