Five contenders seek corporate perch at Makivik

Voters in Makivik Corporation’s upcoming elections will have plenty to think about when they cast ballot for the organization’s next corporate secretary Jan. 21.

With five candidates vying for the position, it is one of the larger candidate turnouts for the executive role.

Candidates for corporate secretary include Minnie Grey, Harriet Keleutak, Andy Moorhouse, George Pilurtuut and Peter Papyarluk.

The corporate secretary is responsible for the administration of Makivik Corporation and the company’s day-to-day operations.

Outgoing secretary George Berthe was first elected to this position in April 1998 and went on to serve four terms. In the last election, Berthe was acclaimed to the position.

“When you consider that, it is an unusually high number of candidates this year,” said Adamie Padlayat, the election’s chief returning officer.

As part of a new election procedure, Makivik elections will be held every third Thursday in January rather than alongside the corporation’s springtime annual general meeting (AGM).

“People mentioned that maybe the AGM could be impacting the vote,” Padlayat said.

More than 6,000 Nunavimmiut will be eligible to elect a new corporate secretary as well as a vice-president economic development to three-year terms Jan. 21.

As part of Makivik’s staggered election system, only those two executive positions are up for election this month.

Beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement over the age of 18 years can vote at polling stations set up in each community Jan. 21; polls will be set up at the local Co-op, landholding office or municipal office.

Minnie Grey, Montreal
Minnie Grey says she is running based on her long experience with Nunavik issues. She was 27 when first elected to Makivik’s executive.

Now, since 2002, Grey has worked as a lead negotiator on the Nunavik government negotiations, which is nearing its completion.

Priorities: Advocate for the well-being of Nunavimmiut children and youth; create more housing and the finalization of the Nunavik government file.

“I would like to work in improving (Makivik’s) ability to have a strong administration and develop a good human resources department so that more Inuit can be promoted into higher positions,” Grey said. “I especially would like to work with my fellow executives into finding way to have more Inuit employed in Makivik subsidiaries.”

Grey is married and has had four children (one now deceased) and three grandchildren.

George Pilurtuut, Kangiqsujuaq
George Pilurtuut sat on Makivik’s board of directors for seven years as the Kangiqsujuaq representative. He ran for the position of vice-president renewable resources in the corporation’s last election but lost to the current VP Johnny Peters.

Pilurtuut has served on the board of directors for the local landholding corporation and the co-op, as well as on the local education committee. Pilurtuut now works as the general manager of the Kangiqsujuaq Co-op.

Priorities: The creation of sewing and woodworking facilities in Nunavik’s communities.

“I strongly support my culture as an Inuk,” Pilurtuut said. “I want to say to Nunavimmiut that (if elected) I will do my best for them and our future generations.”

Pilurtuut is married with five children.

Peter Papyarluk, Kuujjuaraapik
Peter Papyarluk says he wants to push local youth into the spotlight if elected to Makivik’s executive.

Papyarluk has held several positions on boards of directors in his community over the years, including executive roles with the local landholding as well as the regional health services board.

Papyarluk now serves as Kuujjuaraapik’s school commissioner.

Priorities: Empower Nunavimmiut youth and elders, tackle the housing shortage.

“As we say, (youth) are our future,” Papyarluk said. “The next generation must be given the opportunity to succeed
in life…this will bring betterment for our society as a whole.”

Papyarluk is married with five children.

Andy Moorhouse, Inukjuak
Since 1999, Andy Moorhouse has served on Inukjuak’s municipal council; one of those terms was served as mayor.

For the last several years, he has coordinated the Ungaluk Safer Communities Program, which administers programs for crime prevention, victims’ services and rehabilitation for former convicts.

In 2005, Moorhouse also worked as an economic development officer at Makivik Corporation.

Priorities: Identify employment opportunities for Inuit, better support regional organizations such as the Saturviit Womens Association, the Nunavik Elders Association and the Avataq Cultural Institute

“If elected, my priorities, amongst others, will…be to ensure the continuation of programs and services provided by Makivik Corporation,” Moorhouse said.

Moorhouse is married with six children.

Harriet Keleutak, Montreal
Harriet Keleutak did not return Nunatsiaq News’ request for an interview before press-time.

Keleutak has served as the secretary general to the Kativik School Board since 1995.