Makivvik, Quebec sign agreement for talks on self-government
Discussions to continue in January
Makivvik Corp. president Pita Aatami and Québec Premier François Legault approved a new negotiations accord Wednesday in Montreal to further discussions on Nunavik’s self-governance. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Nunavik Inuit organization Makivvik Corp. and the Quebec government will kick off the new year with new self-government negotiations.
Makivvik president Pita Aatami and Quebec Premier François Legault signed a negotiations accord Wednesday in Montreal aimed at furthering discussions on modernizing Nunavik’s governance, the government announced this week.
Aatami called the agreement a “foundational step in our ongoing journey towards self-determination.”
In a news release, he said he was “filled with immense pride” as Makivvik marks a significant milestone with the Nunavik Self-Government Negotiations Accord.
“In our collaboration with the government of Quebec, we see a profound respect for our unique cultural identity and a commitment to a future that honours the rights of the Nunavik Inuit,” he said.
The signing of the accord opens up talks between the Inuit Nation in Quebec and the provincial government about negotiations around Nunavik’s self-government, a government news release said.
Discussions between Inuit and the Quebec government have happened several times over the past few decades, including in 2003, 2007 and 2011.
Those talks involved the creation of Nunavik’s regional government and the terms of its establishment and operation, spokesperson Ewan Sauves from the office of the premier said in a statement.
Several rounds of negotiations between Quebec and the Inuit have taken place since the 1990s, and most recently a proposed self-government agreement was rejected by Inuit voters in a 2011 referendum.
The signing of this accord also signifies the Quebec government’s commitment to forging stronger ties with the Inuit Nation, it said.
Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit, Ian Lafrenière, said the next steps in January will consist of beginning negotiations regarding self-government in Nunavik.
“This is important because Inuit have been waiting for this moment for more than 50 years,” Lafrenière said in French in an emailed statement to Nunatsiaq News on Thursday.
“Yesterday was a very emotional moment for everyone. We are happy to update our relationship with the Inuit.”
We have trouble with a fellow citizens , who don t go to work everyday, can t look after their kids , big booze and drug problem and we are suppose to govern our selfs ????????
Not everyone is like that, there’s actually good, independent, strong, resilient people in Nunavik. Have faith, do not be afraid to learn how to fly on your own!
There are enough people like that though, which make it impossible to energize any real motivation. Our resources are used up on those that are spoiling it for all Inuit. And the fact that it continues to get worse , shows the lack of leadership in dealing with it, thereby indicating that self determination is only an unrealistic dream that will never be , unless something magical happens to change the alcohol and drug abuse, and child care returns to Inuit way , rather than needing the dyp to bring up our children.
Should start by making only English and inuktitut official languages of nunavut and get rid of all French languages in nunavik
I don’t think self government or anything close to it will come to Nunavik anytime soon, but let’s suppose it did. Being in the province of Quebec, inuit and Inuktitut could model after the French government, similar to bill 101. In Nunavik the first language Inuktitut, as the French would surely understand , since it would be replicated by their model used.
This is the way.
It`s fine to talk about self government but who will be happy to stop the billions of dollars that the Guebec Government pours into Nunavut one fancy photo op after the other . No other region with such a unique but small population gets that kind of money year in year out.
PLease go and see some remote communities across Canada to see how fortunate at the mom,ent.
Self determination should also mean self funding of your own needs and dreams
Thanks
I’ve just completed reading the comments sections for Nunavik, and find the negativity, skepticism and downright meanness of many of the comments very saddening, especially at this time of year..
As I reflect on my 38 years in Nunavik, I can see many improvements in the quality of life and standard of living. Sure, there is always inequality, unmet needs, unfairness and people callously taking advantage of others, but such is the state of affairs everywhere in the world.
There is no Utopia. People since the beginning of time have always strove to improve their situation, both individually and collectively. So instead of lobbing grenades at the initiatives of others, I urge everyone to look in the mirror and ask themselves what they can do to make Nunavik a better place.
I agree with your comment stephen , but there is no hope anywhere in this world, So , i say we call in a air strike (asteroid) and put humanity out of it misery .
MERRY CHRISTMANS EVERYBODY !!!!
Have you ever considered that commenting has its place in a forum, notwithstanding negative, positive or neutral. People are encouraged to comment, no matter. I hope you didn’t spend the 38 years being part of those that deny the reality of life in Nunavik as to not say your truth. Do you sit around the tables like many do, and just agree for that sake only, while the needs of the population get pushed under as I kiss yours, and you kiss mine and everything will be just right ? Am I too negative here ?