In the summer issue of the magazine "Développement Social", Nunavik leaders share their view of the main challenges facing Nunavik and Nuavimmiut. Excerpts from their replies are posted here.
"In the future, we will have to complete the negotiation of major files such as the final agreement concerning a Nunavik regional government and a regional electoral division. But without the shadow of doubt, our youth will be at the centre of our attention. We will need to combine our efforts to ensure that they may grow in a sound, respectful and peaceful environment." Pita Aatami, President, Makivik Corporation
"In my opinion, one of the major challenges facing us will be this amalgamation. Currently, the organizations go about their work without necessarily consulting one another. Yet, in order to respond to our needs, it is important that we be able to sit down together, to discuss the issues and identify solutions. A Nunavik regional government will do exactly this. Elected representatives will be able to focus on education, health, infrastructure and other issues, calling on the federal and provincial governments with a single voice.... In terms of social issues, we also have major challenges to address.... every one of us must become involved and assume our responsibilities, so that our children can grow up in a healthy environment." Maggie Emudluk, Chairperson, Kativik Regional Government
"One of the major challenges we face relates to the increase in staff employed in the health and social services sector. Every effort must be made to attract and retain more physicians, more nurses and more social workers to handle our immense needs. And this, in addition to training professionals among Inuit." Alacie Arngak, President, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
"For the Avataq Cultural Institute, the main challenge obviously remains our language, which is to say the safeguard and strengthening of the Inuit language, Inuktitut. We realize today that many Inuit, especially youth, are losing fluency in their mother tongue." Charlie Arngak, President, Avataq Cultural Institite
"In my opinion, one of the main challenges of the future will be to practice and enhance the use of the Inuit language, Inuktitut, as well as to heed our cultural values.... Still another challenge faced by the KSB relates to the implementation of the Nunavik regional government. The amalgamation of our institutions will generate all sorts of benefits. It will eliminate the duplication of certain work. Currently, duplication occurs frequently, though unintentionally of course, as each organization is focused on only its sector and its priorities. Amalgamation will permit these priorities to be harmonized, as well as allow us to work more closely together.... Finally, I am hopeful that in the future Nunavimmiut will have an opportunity to talk about the social problems that plague the region and thereby foster wellbeing in our communities and among our children." Alacie Nalukturuk President, Kativik School Board
Visit us often
www.nunavikgovernment.ca
On this interactive website, you can express your opinions. Your comments are welcomed. Simply click on the "comments" link below a message and type away!
Here, you will find up to date information (news articles). There are also sections providing historical background, documents about the negotiations, photos, video clips and a glossary of important words.
The Nunavik negotiating team
Hmm… It is interesting.
I don't know much about Canadian and Quebec politics and the true history of the land of Nunavik, but as far as I know Canada has been very humanitarian for minority people in the country and also for its native people. It is significantly different from what Americans did on the native people in the U.S.
As an international student in Canada who also happens to be one of visible minorities, I think this movement will be recorded as a great step in Canada’s history. No, it must be a great step in mankind's history.
I have read some articles and documents, but I might still not know the whole detail and the legal issues... and the hardships people of Nunavik are facing. But, someday soon I hope to see the proud name of Nunavik on the map of Canada just like Nunavut has achieved their freedom and pride. On the day, people in Quebec, all other provinces and territories of Canada, and the world should remark the moment as a victory of true humanitarianism.