Around Nunavut

Inuit Youth Council elects leader

Jonathan Epoo of Kuujjuaq is the new leader of the National Inuit Youth Council, following a meeting in Baker Lake from March 12 to 16 that drew more than 120 Inuit youth, elders and supporters.

The gathering, called the National Inuit Elder and Youth Summit, was organized in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and takes place every two years.

The meeting included presentations and discussions on issues such as Inuit history, regional land claims, the Inuit residential school healing strategy, diabetes, stress management, mental health, well-being, suicide prevention and child development.

Workshops were held on photography, film production, animation, fundraising, suicide prevention, leadership and throat singing.
Pauktuutit celebrates March 8

Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada recognized International Women’s Day on March 8 at their annual general meeting in Ottawa with a moment of silence and a symbolic lighting of the qulliq.

The qulliq lighting was designed to shine a light on the issue of abuse against women, says a Pauktuutit news release.

“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Ending Violence Against Women: Action for Real Results” said Martha Greig of Kuujjuaq, the president of Pauktuutit. “Ending violence against Inuit Women is one of the priorities of Pauktuutit; we have been working hard to achieve this goal.”

Greig said Pauktuutit is implementing its strategy to prevent abuse in Inuit communities and is working on the foundation of a National Inuit Women’s Shelter Association.

“This Association will be building capacity by creating much needed training modules for abuse shelters in the Inuit communities,” said Leesie Naqitarvik, Pauktuutit’s manager of Abuse Issues.

At the meeting, Pauktuutit also honoured its “Woman of the Year” in recognition of her contributions in their communities, the Arctic and the world.

This year’s award goes to Rhoda Inukpuk of Inukjuak.

“She exemplifies the values and attributes that we look for in a Woman of the Year. She is a dedicated mother and very involved in her community, from going on local radio to helping out with her church.”

The award comes with a qulliq made by an Inuk artist.

Pauktuutit also elected a new board of directors:

President – Martha Greig
Vice-President – Mary Matoo
Secretary Treasurer – Annie Buchan
Western Arctic – Anita Pokiak
Kitikmeot – Jeannie Evalik
Kiavalliq – Becky Kudloo
North Qikiqtani – Anne Curley
South Qikiqtani – Leesee Qaqasiq
Nunavik Ungava – Kitty Pearson
Nunavik Hudson – Leena Metuq
Urban – Rhoda Innuksuk
Youth – Jane Autut