Inuit language, youth, self-government top Makivik candidate’s list

Jobie Epoo, 56, started working with Makivik Corp.’s predecessor in 1978. Now he hopes to become its new president. (HANDOUT PHOTO)

Jobie Epoo wants to return to the birthright organization where his career in Nunavik politics began.

Epoo is running to serve as head of Nunavik’s Makivik Corp. Jan. 15 against fellow contenders Robbie Watt and incumbent president Jobie Tukkiapik.

If elected as president, Epoo wants to deal with one of his own major concerns: that the Inuktitut language is at risk in Nunavik.

Epoo, 56, said he wants to lead “serious efforts” at Makivik and within other regional organizations to produce a long-term plan to preserve and promote the language in Nunavik.

He would push to appoint a language advocate — preferably an elder — to the organization’s board of directors.

Next, Epoo said, Makivik should re-start discussions on self-governance in Nunavik. Three years after a referendum that voted down the region’s first attempt at a more autonomous governance model, Epoo said it’s time for Nunavimmiut to take their future into their own hands.

“It will require revisiting the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement,” he said. “My position is to acquire more land base with share of the wealth that is derived from our traditional lands, and not only from non-renewable resources but also from renewable resources.”

“When I say that one of my priorities is to see more individual benefits, I mean exactly that,” he added.

“I want to explore with the board of directors of Makivik what else we can do to put more money into the pockets of the beneficiaries.”

That includes revisiting how subsidies and other forms of assistance are already distributed in the region.

But Nunavik’s largest segment of the population struggles the most, Epoo said, pointing to Nunavik’s youth.

“There is little opportunity for them to advance in life,” said Epoo, a father to 13 and now great-grandfather. “Many of them are struggling to survive and depending on their parents or grandparents.”

Epoo wants to encourage the meaningful participation of young people within Makivik, through a permanent seat on its board.

Makivik should also offer venture capital to create more business opportunity at the community level, he added.

Epoo credits his education to his late parents and other elders in his hometown of Inukjuak, whom he says taught him the “Inuit way of life.”

In 1978, at just 20, Epoo began his career at Makivik’s predecessor, the Northern Quebec Inuit Association, working for then-president Charlie Watt while the organization worked to implement the newly-signed JBNQA.

He was later elected to its board of directors and served six years as its treasurer in the 1980s.

Epoo served as mayor of Inukjuak and a representative on the Kativik Regional Government until the late 1990s, when he began his career with the Kativik Regional Police Force. He served as its chief until 2010.

Epoo ran last year to serve as Makivik treasurer, and lost to Andy Pirti.

“My commitment to (Nunavimmiut) is that I will work hard for you and your children,” Epoo said. “I will give you experience and strong leadership with complete transparency as Nunavimmiut have been demanding it.”

JBNQA beneficiaries can vote for Makivik’s new president at their local Northern Village offices at advance polls Jan. 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or on election day, Jan. 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.