Johnny Adams honoured

The KRG’s staff and regional council gathered at the Katittavik Town Hall last week for a tribute to departing KRG regional council chairman Johnny Adams.

The incoming vice-chairman of the KRG, Michael Gordon, said Nunavik will continue to reap the benefits of Adams’s KRG tenure for years to come.

“He can control a meeting and it’s a pleasure to see him in action,” Gordon said. “He can get his point across and he’ll get what he wants.”

When Adams entered the KRG regional council, the regional council administered a budget of $96,000: today the KRG’s annual budget is $140 million.

During the evening of tributes, several credited Adams for reaching a number of deals with the federal and provincial governments, which have provided Nunavik with improvements such as new police stations, playgrounds and paved roads.

“You have shown us we can achieve our goals,” said Kativik Regional Police Chief Brian Jones.

KRG department directors also recalled Adams’ legendary humour.

Adams was presented with web cams to remain in touch with his family when he travels, a polar bear carving and a gold medal, similar to those presented at Arctic Winter Games, which Adams immediately put on.