Makivik gives $1 million in Xmas gifts for beneficiaries

IQALUIT — Makivik Corporation has decided to make this year’s Christmas a brighter one for Nunavimmiut by investing more than $1 million on goods and travel for beneficiaries.

Families in need will receive vouchers that can be exchanged at local stores for food or toys during the holiday season.

This new “Christmas basket” program will cost $250,000, with the Kativik Regional Government contributing $25,000 .

Pita Aatami, the president of the Makivik Corporation, said that the idea originated in Kuujjuaq, where the local community’s development corporation has used a similar system to help residents in need.

Every eligible beneficiary in Nunavik has also received a voucher, valid for up to two years, for travel on Air Inuit within Nunavik at 25 per cent of the usual ticket cost.

Aatami said that through these measures, Makivik is just trying to fill the gaps left by inadequate government programs. This fiscal year, the birthright corporation will spend $2 million overall to subsidize social and recreational programs in the region.

“It’s frustrating,” Aatami said. “We fight and fight, but they’re always saying there’s a lack of funds.”

Makivik, along with other Nunavik organization based in Montreal, is also hosting its second annual bash for Inuit living in the city. The party starts at 6 pm on the 16th of December at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church at 377 44th St. in Lachine.

Bus transportation to the Montreal Christmas Party will be provided from several points in downtown Montreal. For more information, contact Vic Mesher at 654-8091.