NRG’s elected assembly going unnoticed, negotiator says

In response to Sarah Rogers article “Nunavik debates new government on Facebook,” published April 15, 2011, I feel inclined to state some facts:

I would remind Nunavik, first of all, that the amalgamation of the three institutions will bring about the creation of a Nunavik Assembly in which these former institutions will become part of the structure as departments.

Circumstances have put the focus on the amalgamation of the three regional entities.

As a consequence, one of the most important, if not the most important and innovative aspect of the agreement has gone unnoticed: the creation of an elected assembly with decision-making powers.

There is no hidden agenda, as is being alluded to.

There is no big secret.

The agreement-in-principle was signed in 2007 and has been a public document for all to read and comment on.

Many have chosen to ignore the negotiations, and are now coming out like nuviuvaks (flies) in the spring-time.

As for Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Mary Simon’s attempt to translate the Nunavik Regional Government into French, I suggest she takes a French course before publicly claiming that it will be just another “administration” like the KRG.

Yes, the KRG is an administration because the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement failed to set up a government.

And the negotiators at that time, 1975, agreed to it being an administration.

If I may, I would draw your attention to the French version of the Draft Final Agreement and on the cover page, you will read the following:

“Entente finale concernant la création du Gouvernement régional du Nunavik.”

It took many, many hours of negotiations and meetings to convince Quebec to agree to the word “gouvernement” as Quebec wanted to continue calling it “administration.”

We, the Nunavik negotiators. would not settle for anything less than a government.

In Inuktitut, Nunaviup Kavamanga.
In English, Nunavik Regional Government.
En Français, Gouvernement Regional du Nunavik.

Minnie Grey
Montrea

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