NAM seeks direction at Iqaluit meeting

Members of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities are looking for a new way forward this week.

The troubled organization’s members have gathered for a special general meeting in Iqaluit’s Anglican parish hall Dec. 6 and 7, hoping to update by-laws and fill the void left by the abrupt resignation of its president Dec. 3.

Sakiasie Sowdlooapik, also mayor of Pangnirtung, announced he was leaving his position as president in a Dec. 2 letter, 11 months into his term.

After some debate, directors voted Dec. 6 to appoint Whale Cove Mayor Percy Kabloona in the position of interim president and chair of the special meeting.

The organization’s by-laws would normally hand that role to the association’s vice-president — currently Kugaaruk Mayor Makabe Nartok — although Nartok preferred to remain as vice-president.

The association will also be looking for a new executive director.

NAM’s current executive director, Shani Guerin, did not attend the Dec. 6 meeting and it’s not clear whether or not she has officially resigned from her position.

But NAM director Paul Quassa made a motion to remove Guerin from her position Tuesday morning, just before the meeting went in camera.

The meeting was then declared in camera for the rest of its duration.

According to the meeting’s agenda, members will create a job description and job search start-date for executive director over the next two days.

The organization’s members also plan to discuss NAM’s relationship with the Government of Nunavut, and the territory’s municipal insurance program.

NAM also intends to review its by-laws on voting rights, with the help of staff from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

FCM staff were on hand to facilitate the meeting and take minutes in the absence of NAM staff.

Despite the work the organization has ahead of it, some members were optimistic about the progress made Tuesday morning.

“I wanted to have this meeting because it became confusing as to how we’re going to proceed,” said NAM member Pujjuut Kusugak, mayor of Rankin Inlet. “I want to support the board and that’s why I’m here. Things are looking up already, we’re starting to understand more.”

The association’s board of directors includes its president and vice-president along with its six directors: Allen Agglukkaq (Gjoa Haven), Ernie Bernhardt (Kugluktuk), Hugh Hagpi (Repulse Bay), Harry Aggark (Chesterfield Inlet), Ammie Kipsigak (Hall Beach) and Jaykolasie Killiktee (on behalf of the mayor of Pond Inlet).

NAM officials said they plan to release a statement on the meeting’s outcome.