Nunavik Inuit women meet at Arnaliat Nipingit conference

Minnie Etidloie of Kangiqsujuaq tends the qulliq at the Arnaliat Nipingit conference in Quaqtaq. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SATURVIIT)

Quaqtaq’s mayor Eva Deer speaks to women at the Arnaliat NipingIt conference in her community about its Aaqqitauvik healing centre. (PHOTO COURTESY OF SATURVIIT)

Inuit women around Nunavik are meeting this week in Quaqtaq for a conference planned around the theme, Arnaliat Nipingit, or voice of the arnaliat.

That theme is apt, with arnaliat in Inuttitut describing women who are life-long role models for other women.

At the conference, participants plan to learn more about the projects undertaken by their Saturviit Nunavik women’s association during the past year.

They’ll also discuss such issues such as healthy living and family and child advocacy.

Speakers include Maggie Emudluk, chairperson of Kativik Regional Government, who will make a presentation about the Parnasimautik consultation process, and Michael Gordon, Makivik Corp.’s vice-president for economic development, who will speak about mining in Nunavik.

Also on the agenda: Lizzie Aloupa from the Nunavik Regional Committee on Sexual Abuse Prevention on the Good Touch/Bad Touch project, designed to raise awareness of sexual abuse, and Eva Deer, mayor of Quaqtaq, speaking about the work being done at her community’s Aaqqitauvik healing centre.

“This week is truly a gathering of Inuit women who are committed to contributing to the well-being of our society. It is also a week where much information will be shared, not only about Saturviit projects, but about larger projects happening in Nunavik such as the Plan Nunavik Parnasimautik process and mining. With knowledge we can better help our communities,” said Lisa Koperqualuk, president of Saturviit, in an April 23 news release.

The conference wraps up April 25.