PRESS RELEASE
January 2019 – Kuujjuaq, Nunavik – As we enter a new year, Makivvik President Charlie Watt commented, “On behalf of my fellow Makivvik Executives, the Makivvik Board of Directors, Nunavik Governors, and all our staff, we send you the best wishes for a Happy New Year. Thank you for your continued support last year as Makivvik celebrated its 40th anniversary.”
Here are month-by-month highlights from Makivvik’s activities in 2018:
January
Makivvik Election Results
History was made when Charlie Watt Sr. was elected Makivvik President on January 18th. He returned to lead Makivvik in it’s 40th Anniversary Year. At the time of his election Charlie Watt said, “It’s a great honour to return to Makivvik at this time. I look forward to talking about our founding years from a personal perspective, and showing how far Inuit have come in the past four decades. Equally, I look forward to tackling the current challenges that Inuit face right now. Makivvik will focus on issues strongly related to our Indigenous rights including the right to self-determination.”
Quebec Finally Closes Sport Hunt of Leaf River Caribou Herd
Following pressure from Makivvik and other JBNQA Nations who use and maintain the Leaf River Caribou Herd Quebec announced the closure of the sport hunt of the Leaf River Caribou Herd effective February 1, 2018. The population of the herd had crashed from 600,000 in the 2000s to an estimated 181,000 in November 2016. In late February 2018, Quebec’s Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP) reported that the population of the herd, considering the estimations of its Fall classification and recruitment rate, is still in decline.
February
Makivvik Brings Strong Message to Northern Lights Business and Trade Show
In early February at the Northern Lights Business and Trade Show in Ottawa Charlie Watt made his first public speech as newly elected Makivvik President. He stressed the importance of advancing Inuit self-determination in Nunavik. In a wide-ranging speech, he covered a lot of the history of what Inuit in Nunavik had to go through when negotiating the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, with the most controversial issue being extinguishment of aboriginal rights. He vowed to review this and outlined the contemporary rights that have developed since the signing of the JBNQA, such as the Canadian Charter, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Makivvik also supported a delegation of over 15 Nunavik artists to attend the Northern Lights Business and Trade Show. The next Northern Lights Business and Trade Show is scheduled for February 5-8, 2020 in Ottawa.
Plan to Fund Cleanup of Abandoned Outfitting Camps Announced
The government of Quebec announced a $16.1-million program to clean up approximately 200 abandoned hunting camps scattered around Nunavik primarily used for sport caribou hunting. The announcement was made by Quebec’s department of Forests, Wildlife and Parks. It would be a five-year project to clean up sites in various conditions. $10.1-million would be disbursed before March 31, 2018. $2.5-million would go to Makivvik, $2.5-million to the Naskapi Development Corporation, and $5.1-million to the Quebec Outfitters Association (FPQ). The remaining $6-million would be disbursed from 2019-2022 for the ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks to create two staff positions and conduct inspections ($1-million), and $5-million set aside as a reserve fund to offset costs beyond initial cleanup costs.
The ambitious project is tricky as some outfitting camps date back to the 1980s, the owners needed to be found and notified about the proposed dismantling, and offered the opportunity to do it themselves. If they decline, Inuit or Naskapi officials will do the work, depending on the location of the camp. In Nunavik the Kativik Regional Government has extensive experience in the cleanup program of abandoned mine sites. Makivvik plans to work with KRG on this project in the years to come.
While Makivvik appreciated the program, concerns were expressed to the Ministers of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, and Native Affairs regarding the overall strategy. Makivvik pointed out that the approach should be one of implementing in a correct and respectful way the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Regime (HFT) rather than as an “economic development” initiative. While Makivvik stressed that further discussions on the cleanup strategy should be done, a Steering Committee was created to address implementation and planning aspects of the strategy.
Quaqtaq Hosts Makivvik Board Meeting
The members of the Makivvik Board of Directors gathered in Quaqtaq February 19-22 to discuss Makivvik’s operations, Charlie Watt’s new political direction, and to approve Makivvik’s Financial Statements.
Makivvik Approves Creation of Nunavik Chamber of Commerce
A key outcome of Makivvik’s weeklong Board of Directors meeting in Quaqtaq was the decision to support the creation of a Nunavik Chamber of Commerce.
The creation of a Chamber of Commerce for the Nunavik region will further promote and increase awareness of the needs of Nunavik Inuit Enterprise and in economic development of our region in many ways. From the support to young entrepreneurs to assisting established businesses in accessing additional services that may not necessarily be available, the much-needed Chamber will ensure to close the gay in needs in services for Nunavik Inuit Enterprises and putting our region on the map. It’s an important development tool for Nunavik.
Makivvik Construction Division Reports Record Year Building Social Housing Units
Makivvik’s Construction Division completed the “largest social housing construction program in Nunavik” building 212 units in nine communities during the 2017-2018 construction season. This adds up to 1638 units built by Makivvik’s Construction since 2000 (by December 2018, totaling 1750 units). In comparison the biggest year for SHQ, Société d’Habitation du Québec, was in 1986 with 164 units of different types, including prefab.
March
Makivvik’s Anniversary AGM Held in Puvirnituq
During Makivvik’s 40th anniversary year our Annual General Meeting was held in Puvirnituq on the Hudson’s Bay Coast. With newly elected President Charlie Watt at the helm, and original JBNQA signatories the AGM truly had a strong sense of history, with wide ranging discussions on a variety of topics. It was an old style Makivvik AGM tackling fundamental issues that are reflected in the declarations that emerged a few months later in May following an All Organizations Meeting in Kuujjuaq.
17th Edition of Ivakkak Husky Dog Race
Eleven teams started the 17th Ivakkak race in Tasiujaq in late March, and 10 teams eventually crossed the finish line over two weeks later on April 5th in Kangiqsujuaq. In first place were Willie Cain Jr. and Ken Labbe from Tasiujaq. Second were Aisa Surusilak and Aipilie Qumaluk from Puvirnituq, and in third were Mathew Arngak and Pauli Qisiiq from Kangirsujuaq. Full results of the race are available online at www.ivakkak.com
April
Charlie Watt Meets with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard
On April 11th Charlie Watt travelled to Quebec City for his first meeting with Premier Philippe Couillard, Quebec’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Geoff Kelley, and MNA Jean Boucher.
Makivvik Holds Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop
In early April Makivvik held a Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop in Salluit. 16 youth participated from seven Nunavik communities. Funding was provided by Nunavik Investment Corporation. The goals of the workshop were to build awareness around entrepreneurship for youth, to guide them in generating and refining business ideas, and to showcase the support programs available. The secondary goal was to test content and facilitation tools for future entrepreneurship workshop design. The two-day workshop provided various modules to prepare youth to take next steps towards creating a business. Two young entrepreneurs shared their experiences of starting their own businesses – Winifred Nungak who started “Winifred Designs”, and Marie-Cecile Nottaway from “Wawatay Catering”. Makivvik plans to hold future entrepreneurship workshops based on the outcome of this experience.
Second Offshore Shrimp Training Program Held in Salluit
For the second year Makivvik hosted its second Offshore Shrimp Training Program in the Northern Village of Salluit over a four-week period. The course was run by the Nunavut Fisheries Marine Training Consortium in conjunction with the Marine Institute of Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Graduates are then able to work on the offshore trawlers operated by our fishing partner Newfound Resources Ltd.
May
Makivvik Announces Restructuring to Nuvviti Development Corporation
On May 22nd Makivvik announced it would restructure Nuvviti Development Corporation in order to streamline operations, reduce costs, and establish clearer lines of communications with Nuvviti. Under a new structure approved by the Makivvik Board of Directors, a more robust Nuvviti Board would oversee all of Makivvik’s subsidiary companies, eliminating the need for many smaller Boards for each subsidiary. The new eight-member board included four prominent Inuit businessmen: Johnny Adams, Noah Tayara, Johnny May, and Tommy Palliser. Four additional members would be subsequently named (factcheck).
“Makivvik is unique in Canada in that it has a mandate as an Indigenous political organization and as an investment company, and we have operated under that umbrella very successfully for 40 years. To get a subsidiary to handle our business interests is going to take careful scrutiny, and changes will be made from time to time to make the best use of beneficiaries’ equity,” said Makivvik President Charlie Watt.
Declarations on Arctic Sovereignty and Nunavik Inuit Released Following All-Organizations Meeting
Following a Nunavik “All Organizations Meeting” held in Kuujjuaq May 23-35, 2018 two significant declarations were issued regarding Arctic Sovereignty specifically, and Nunavik Inuit more generally.
The one-page Declaration on Arctic Sovereignty states that rights of Inuit have been ignored by Canada and other Arctic coastal States as they work to establish sovereignty over large parts of the Arctic Ocean seabed. It urges Canada to engage with Inuit as partners in Arctic sovereignty issues and to ensure Inuit can meaningfully participate in decision-making that affects Inuit rights. It reiterates the fact Nunavik Inuit have rights in the marine area and islands offshore of Quebec and Labrador by virtue of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement (NILCA).
The “2018 Nunavik Inuit Declaration” covers three substantial areas directly related to the future political, social, and economic development of the Nunavik region. The first is “Self Determination” which states that “Makivvik be mandated to negotiate with Canada and Quebec in order to establish a form of Indigenous Government based on Inuit values, identity, culture and language, with the contribution of the concerned Nunavik organizations who are at the front line.”
The second part refers to the “Review of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement”. In this case the declaration states, “In the spirit of reconciliation and after more than 40 years since its signing, the JBNQA and all its complementary agreements need to be thoroughly reviewed, with a special emphasis on the Surrender of rights and the Extinguishment of rights provisions, so it can be amended and modernized to meet the needs and aspirations of the Nunavik Inuit.” Makivvik was mandated to conduct a full review of the JBNQA.
The final section of the Nunavik Declaration deals with “Inuit Values, Identity, Culture and Language”. This section focusses on the two main organizations in Nunavik that have mandates to preserve and promote these important issues, but perpetually lack sufficient financial resources. The are the Avataq Cultural Institute, and Taqramiut Nipingat Incorporated (TNI). The declaration urged the Canadian and Quebec governments to recognize the importance of these values to Inuit and to sufficiently fund Avataq and TNI. A Trust Fund will be created to secure core funding for Avataq and TNI. Nunavik regional organizations are urged to contribute up to a maximum of 1% of their total annual budget to the fund, and developers, including mining companies and Hydro-Quebec are also encouraged to contribute to the fund.
June
Makivvik Participates in First Pijunnaqunga Internship Program in Nunavik
Pijunnaqunga is an internship program that aims to empower young Inuit from Nunavik to develop their skills through hands-on work experience. The program was developed by the Sustainable Employment Department of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) in an effort to increase the number of Inuit employees in all Nunavik organizations. Makivvik’s Economic Development Department participated in the program by engaging Joanasie Cameron of Salluit in the Kuujjuaq office for three months, concluding in June 2018.
During his internship at Makivvik Joanasie focussed on the organization of the Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop, held in Salluit, and travelled back to Salluit to help plan and host the workshop. He plans on continuing to work on economic development initiatives in Nunavik.
Nunavik Inuit Customary Adoption Implementation Begins with Makivvik’s Assistance
Quebec’s Bill 113 which recognized in law the effects of Nunavik Inuit Customary Adoptions in 2017 began to be implemented in June of 2018 with Makivvik’s assistance. Makivvik sees the passage of the law as a first step in the process, and sought additional funding from Quebec’s Justice Department for a two-year project to develop a comprehensive Inuit legal regime on adoption for and by Nunavik Inuit, lead by Makivvik. A funding request of $100,000 was sent to the new Minister of Justice Sonia Lebel in late November.
July
First Air and Canadian North Announce Merger
On July 6th Inuit leaders from Nunavik and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region signed an agreement in principle to merge First Air and Canadian North airlines. Makivvik took the initiative under the new direction of Charlie Watt Sr. At the signing ceremony Watt said, “This is one way to assert our sovereignty across the Arctic”.
The newly merged airline will operate under the name “Canadian North” and aircraft will feature the new First Air livery, including its Inukshuk logo. Headquarters for merged airline will be located in Ottawa. Both Makivvik and IDC recognize the value and potential in the North and in the Alberta market and remain committed to supporting and growing the Alberta presence. By merging the two airlines the two Inuit development organizations look forward to new economic opportunities in Canada and internationally and to better air services for Inuit across the circumpolar region.
Shrimp Fishery announces royalty of $7.2-million to Makivvik
In early July Vice-President of Economic Development Andy Moorhouse travelled to St. John’s, Newfoundland to meet with the President of Newfound Resources Ltd, Mr. Brian McNamara. Moorhouse was there to collect a royalty cheque of $7.2-million dollars for the 2017-2018 shrimp fishing year. Makivvik has been working with Newfound Resources for over 15 years. Fishing royalties are very important for the well-being of Nunavik beneficiaries and we value our relationship with Newfound Resources very much.
Shrimp prices remained strong during this period, and work was done to expand markets in Europe with the new trade agreement with the European Union. As well, northern shrimp is very popular in China.
Makivvik Attends Inuit Circumpolar Council Historic General Assembly in Utqiaġvik, Alaska
Charlie Watt lead the Nunavik delegation to the 13th Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) General Assembly in the same community ICC was founded in 1977. It was then called “Barrow”, Alaska. The Nunavik delegation also included Makivvik’s Executive Vice-President for Renewable Resources Adamie Delisle Alaku, and Treasurer Andy Pirti. The delegates got to work right away. On the Sunday before the ICC Assembly began, ICC (Canada) held its Annual General Meeting, and held elections for the positions of President, and Vice President. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, of Nunavut, was elected the new ICC (Canada) President, and Lisa Koperqualuk, of Puvirnituq, was elected Vice-President (International).
Following a week of deliberations, the outcome of the General Assembly was a document called the Utqiaġvik Declaration, containing ten sections and 57 clauses, charting the path forward for ICC over the next four years until the next GA to be held in llulissat, Greenland in 2022. The delegates also unanimously elected Dr. Dalee Sambo Dorough as the new ICC Chair.
August
Mourning the Passing of JBNQA Negotiator John Ciaccia
Makivvik extended their sympathies to the family and friends of John Ciaccia who passed away August 7th. He was described by Inuit as a man with integrity. He was Quebec’s chief negotiator for the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), and made an important contribution in the development of the Nunavik region Inuit know today.
Charlie Watt commented at the time, “I remember vividly negotiating with John Ciaccia. He was open minded. He listened to the Inuit point of view and took it into account. He was fair minded, and I believe he worked hard to ensure our perspective was included in the James Bay Agreement, over 40 years ago. He will be remembered.”
September
Special Arctic Senate Committee Visits Kuujjuaq
On September 6-7 a special Arctic Committee from the Canadian Senate was in Kuujjuaq as part of their pan Northern tour from Nunavik to the Yukon to learn about Arctic issues. During their stay in Kuujjuaq they visited the Makivvik Board room to honour their retired member Senator Charlie Watt. Senator Dennis Patterson gave a moving farewell speech to Mr. Watt, and the group ate together before the members moved on to Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake and then the Western Arctic.
Price of Gasoline Set for the Year at $2.03 per litre
On September 6th it was announced the annual price of gasoline in Nunavik rose from $1.79 per litre to $2.03 per litre in all Nunavik communities. Beneficiaries of the JBNQA receive a 40¢ per litre reduction through the Gasoline Subsidy Program operated by Makivvik and the Kativik Regional Government, resulting in a litre costing $1.63.
Makivvik and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Sign Agreement to Merge First Air and Canadian North
Following the announcement in July, Makivvik and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation concluded their agreement to merge First Air and Canadian North in a signing ceremony in Montreal on September 28th. It’s the biggest airline merger in the history of Canada’s North.
“I am very pleased to witness this day. Forty years ago, the Inuit of Nunavik invested in the airline industry with a view to someday join forces with our fellow Inuit in other jurisdictions. This is the day. It has become a reality. We wanted to own our own airspace over the Canadian Arctic and now we do,” said Makivvik President Charlie Watt.
October
Makivvik Congratulates New Premier of Québec – François Legault and Ungava MNA Denis Lamothe
Charlie Watt was quick to acknowledge and congratulate Québec’s newly elected Premier following the general election on October 2nd, leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) Party.
In a statement Watt said, “I met Québec’s newly elected Premier-designate, François Legault, before the election and he demonstrated understanding and support for many of the issues I brought up and support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. On behalf of the Inuit in Nunavik, I look forward to meeting Premier Legault to advance Inuit rights in the Nunavik region.” Watt also congratulated the newly elected MNA for Ungava Denis Lamothe, also of the CAQ Party.
“Ungava is by far the largest riding in Québec and for the first time in history two Inuit women ran in the election, so I want to send out a special mention for Alisha Tukkiapik in Kuujjuaraapik, for running in the election for the Québec Solidaire party, and to Mona Belleau originally from Iqaluit, Nunavut who ran for the NDP in the riding of Chauveau,” said Charlie Watt. “Not only did you make history but you have motivated so many of our people to stand up and be counted no matter the odds.”
Hydroponic Containerized System Installed in Kuujjuaq to Grow Vegetables
The first hydroponic containerized system was installed in Kuujjuaq, supplied by Ottawa start-up “The Growcer”. With the high cost of flying in produce to Nunavik, this project aims to provide fresh vegetables to consumers in Kuujjuaq. Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture, which is a method of growing plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. Operated and managed by the Newviq’vi grocery store, it’s a pilot project funded with $350,000 by the Société du Plan Nord (SPN). Training took place in late November, and the unit started producing vegetables in December, 2018. James Dumont, who was trained to operate the system, says they are starting with “lettuce, Bok Choy, and different herbs”.
Nunavik Research Centre Attends Arctic Science Ministerial Meeting in Berlin
Makivvik’s Nunavik Research Centre was invited to attend the Arctic Science Ministerial meeting held in Berlin, Germany in late October. The Meeting is a gathering of Science Ministers from Arctic and non-Arctic countries to discuss opportunities enhancing international Arctic science collaboration. It’s part of the work of the Arctic Council. This year the meeting was preceded by a Science Forum featuring scientists, policymakers, Indigenous knowledge holders and stakeholders from participating countries. Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada) President Monica Ell-Kanayuk was a key representative for Inuit. The NRC representative was Centre Director, Ellen Avard.
November
Makivvik Reaches out to People of Iqaluit Following Devastating Fire at Northmart Store
Makivvik President Charlie Watt sent out a message of sympathy and support to the people of Iqaluit following the fire at the Northmart store. He said at the time, “We want the leaders of Nunavut to know we are here to help in any way we can. You only need to get a hold of us at Makivvik, and we are ready to provide support until Iqaluit gets its store back again.”
Order of Nunavik Medals Awarded in Kuujjuaq During Makivvik’s 40th Anniversary Gala
During the Makivvik Gala held on November 14, 2018 in Kuujjuaq at the Katittavik Town Hall four new recipients to the Order of Nunavik were named. They were: Charlie Tooktoo of Kuujjuaraapik, Lazarusie Epoo of Inukjuaq, Jacob Oweetaluktuk of Inukjuak, and Johnny Watt of Kuujjuaq.
The Order of Nunavik is conferred upon Inuit men and women for outstanding achievement in different fields. The Order celebrates the accomplishments of Nunavik Inuit of all ages and inspires Nunavik beneficiaries to strive to reach their goals. This ceremony was different in that a brand-new medal was publicly awarded for the first time. The new medal was in development over the past two years.
The original James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement Signatories were also given their new medals during the Makivvik Gala. In 2015 the JBNQA Signatories were honoured with the Nunavik medal and provided with temporary plaques. We were pleased to provide the signatories each with a new medal, and to a family member for those who have passed away.
Eleven Inuit signed the JBNQA on November 11, 1975. They are: Charlie Watt, George Koneak, Johnny Williams, Zebedee Nungak, Pootoolik Papigatuk, Tommy Cain, Robbie Tookalook, Peter Inukpuk, Mark Annanack, Sarolie Weetaluktuk, and Charlie Arngak.
Charlie Watt Sends Strong Message to Quebec at Viens Commission Hearing in Kuujjuaq to Stop Unilateral Decision-Making Regarding Nunavik
In his one-and-a-half-hour presentation to the Viens Commission Charlie Watt gave examples of actions that have had negative impacts on the lives of Inuit such as in housing, justice, and youth. “I heard the other day that there was talk of the Kativik Police (KRPF) threatening to hand over its responsibility to the Surèté du Québec. Where did that come from? The decision can only be made by the Inuit leadership, the creators of the KRPF. The police force was established to report to and get its direction from municipal leaders,” he said.
Mr. Watt said Quebec also needs to address its relationship with the Inuit and their homeland dating back decades. “The territory was transferred to Quebec from the Northwest Territories through the 1912 Boundaries Extension Act without consultation, and without consent from the Inuit. Quebec wanted the land but not the people. That’s a shame. We need to engage in serious Self-Determination discussions,” he said.
Makivvik is pleased the Viens Commission accepted its invitation and has come to Nunavik to hear concerns from Nunavimmiut and reminded them, “Our problems will not be solved by the south. Solutions should be conceived of and developed by our people. It’s 2018. The era of making decisions about our region in Quebec City without our input is over.”
The Viens Commission was created by the Government of Québec on December 21, 2016. The full name is The Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec: listening, reconciliation and progress. The commission website is cerp.gouv.qc.ca
December
Kovik River Aquatic Reserve Registered as a Protected Area
With the Kovik River Aquatic Reserve officially registered as a Protected Area on December 3, 2018, it strengthens the protection from industrial development of this core water and land mass. The Kovik River Aquatic Reserve covers a 4,000 square kilometer area in the northwest part of the region. The land and water protection process began nine years ago when Makivvik, KRG, and Québec’s environment department started consultations on plans to protect areas of ecological and cultural importance from a Nunavik Inuit point of view. In protected areas no industrial development may take place. It thus protected the Kovik River and watershed area from mining claims and mining activities. Four Nunavik communities rely on subsistence harvesting from the Kovik River Aquatic Reserve. When the Kovik protection status was announced to community representatives, one participant described that day as, “being the best day of his life”.
Makivvik President Responds to Announcement to Improve Nutrition North Canada Program
On December 10th, Makivvik President Charlie Watt called the federal government’s announcement on changes to the Nutrition North Canada program a good start towards improving the program for the people who are the primary recipients of the subsidy by a wide margin – the Inuit.
“We considered Nutrition North a failure from the start,” says Charlie Watt. “The previous Food Mail program was better for Inuit. I don’t know what the Harper Government decided to scrap that program when it wasn’t broken. Nutrition North Canada was heavily criticized from the beginning for benefitting the stores rather than the customer. I do take note that more products used by Inuit will be added to the list of subsidized products, but greater transparency is still needed to make sure the Federal dollars go where its supposed to go to help lessen food insecurity in the land of the Inuit.”
Watt also acknowledged the additional $62.6-million in funding for NNC announced in the 2018 fall Economic Statement, including $10.4-million for a Harvesters Support Grant.
“I also commend the creation of an Inuit-specific working group on the Nutrition North Program as part of the existing Inuit Crown process, of which Makivvik is a member,” said Charlie Watt. “That’s an important change because there is no ‘one-size-fits-all solution here’. Not only is the Inuit reality different from the First Nations communities who are part of NNC, but across the Inuit Homeland – 53 communities from Tuktoyaktuk to Hopedale – there are significant differences in access. This working group will be critical to making further improvements to the program for Inuit.”
Nunavik Research Centre Wins Polar Knowledge Canada’s Prestigious Northern Science Award. NRC Research Technician Peter May Wins ITK Inuit Recognition Award
The Northern Science Award recognizes a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The Nunavik Research Centre (NRC) was created by Inuit, for Inuit, responding to the research needs of Northern communities. The NRC is highly recognized by the community, politicians and other researchers for its successful integration of Western science and the ecological insights Inuit have acquired over thousands of years on the land. With the relevance of Traditional Knowledge to research being formally recognized, the NRC has been at the forefront of developing methodology that braids these two components together.
Three of the NRC Wildlife Technicians marked important anniversaries this year. Alix Gordon and Peter May marked 35 years of service, while Sandy Suppa marked 25 years in 2018. Peter May also won ITK’s Inuit Recognition Award for demonstrating excellence in the area of Arctic Research.
The awards were announced December 13th during the closing banquet at the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting held in Ottawa during the week of December 10-14, 2018.
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Contact:
William Tagoona
Political Attache
Communications Director
Makivvik
Tel. 819-964-2925
wtagoona@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