Diverse group to contest QIA presidency

Six people will contest the presidency of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association in an election to be held Dec. 14 amongst all eligible beneficiaries living in the Qikiqtani region.

The first person to announce an intention to run, Okalik Eegeesiak, now serves as chair of the Inuit Broadcasting Corp. and was once president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, from 1997 to 2000.

In a statement issued Nov. 4, Eegeesiak said she wants to use her small business experience to make the QIA a more efficient and better-managed organization. Eegeesiak’s announcement contains statements of support from Paul Quassa, a former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and Mary Wilman, an Iqaluit city councillor.

The other candidates are:

• Zacharias Kunuk of Igloolik, best known for his work with the Igloolik Isuma video production group;

• Franco Buscemi of Iqaluit, who works in NTI’s communications department;

• Joe Sageaktok of Iqaluit, an employee of the Qulliq Energy Corp. who in 2008 ran for the legislative assembly in the Iqaluit Centre constituency;

• Hezakiah Oshutapik, a former mayor of Pangnirtung;

• Sam Omik Sr., a longtime official with QIA and its predecessor organization, the Baffin Region Inuit Association, where Omik served as vice president and board member at various times.

The winner of the Dec. 14 QIA presidential election will serve out the two years remaining in what would have been Thomasie Alikatuktuk’s presidential term.

QIA officials announced Alikatuktuk’s resignation from the job at the organization’s recent board meeting in Iqaluit.

Also on Dec, 14, Qikiqtani beneficiaries will choose a secretary-treasurer for the next three years. The incumbent is Joe Attagutaluk of Igoolik.

Here are the candidates for QIA secretary-treasurer:

• Solomon Allurut (Igloolik)

• Joe Attagutaluk (Igloolik)

• Adamee Itorcheak (Iqaluit)

• Isreal Mablick (Pond Inlet)

And in four communities, local beneficiaries will choose community directors to serve three-year terms.

Arctic Bay

• Levi Barnabas
• Koonark Enoogoo
• David Kalluk
• Olayuk Naqitarvik

Cape Dorset

• Olayuk Akesuk
• Mathewsie Ashevak
• Mathew Saveaktuk Jaw
• Adamie Nuna

Grise Fiord

• Larry Audlaluk (Acclamation)

Qikiqtarjuaq

• Loasie Audlakiak
• Stevie Audlakiak
• Jaloo Kooneeliusie
• Joanasie Kooneeliusie

In two communities, beneficiaries will choose community directors to serve two-year terms.

Hall Beach

•Jaypetee Audlakiak
• David Issigaitok
• Peter Siakukuk

Resolute Bay

• Paul Amagoalik (Acclamation)