Press Release
Montreal – December 6th 2023 – Makivvik is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Northern Delights from Avataq Cultural Institute.
The acquisition of Northern Delights follows months of dedicated collaboration and meticulous planning. Under this new business arrangement, Makivvik will assume the operation of the tisanes initiative, a venture that prides itself in sourcing and promoting traditional herbs from Nunavik communities. The transition to Makivvik’s stewardship ensures the continuity and growth of this two decades initiative, with a renewed focus on quality, sustainability, and cultural authenticity.
“We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Northern Delights,” said [Pita Aatami, Makivvik President. “This acquisition not only strengthens our commitment to preserving cultural heritage but also allows us to contribute to the vital work of Avataq. We believe in the power of cultural initiatives to bring communities together, producing locally sourced products like these herbal teas is also a great benefit to our region, it shows the world what we have in our region and in this case provides seasonal work for Inuit in Nunavik’s communities.”
In line with this acquisition, Makivvik Vice President of Economic Development Andy Moorhouse emphasized, “Our vision extends beyond this acquisition. We have some real work ahead of us when it comes to determining the real potential of this initiative, we plan to look at the feasibility of expanding the harvesting of these herbs to more communities and would like to explore the possibility of utilizing new herbs found in our region.”
One noteworthy aspect of this acquisition is Makivvik’s commitment to contributing a portion of the profits generated from Northern Delights back to Avataq. This financial support will further both Makivvik and Avataq’s mission and will bolster our efforts in fostering cultural awareness and language preservation.
Avataq President William Tagoona says, “It is with enthusiasm the Avataq Cultural Institute hands overs the production and sale of our Inuit herbal tea to Makivvik. Tea has been an important staple of Inuit life for as long as we can remember and the production of our own brand some years ago made us proud and now Makivvik will continue the tradition. “
Makivvik is confident that this acquisition will not only enhance the tisanes initiative but will also serve as a model for responsible and culturally sensitive business practices. Makivvik and Avataq look forward to continued collaboration to ensure a seamless transition and continued success.
“We envision a future where every sip of Northern Delights tea tells a story of our heritage, a story that resonates not only in Nunavik but across Canada and beyond,” added President Pita Aatami.
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| Contact: Carson Tagoona Director of Communications Makivvik ctagoona@makivvik.ca www.makivvik.ca | Contact: Rhoda Kokiapik Executive Director Avataq Cultural Institute akuuku@avataq.qc.ca www.avataq.qc.ca |
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.
Avataq Cultural Institute provides a strong foundation for the living culture of today’s Inuit. Since its inception in 1980, Avataq has built a solid reputation as the cultural leader for Nunavik Inuit and as an important resource for Inuit culture in Canada and beyond. Our goal is to ensure that Inuit culture and language continue to thrive into the future, so that our descendants can benefit from the rich heritage passed down to us through the wisdom of our ancestors.
