Nominations open for 4 major Inuit organizations

Election season is heating up for four major organizations that represent Inuit across the territory.

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Qikiqtani Inuit Association and Kivalliq Inuit Association are all holding elections on Dec. 12 for various executive and regional positions.

The four groups are designated Inuit organizations under the Nunavut Agreement. They deal in matters such as legal claims, housing and Inuit rights. 

Each election is an opportunity for Inuit in the region to pick who they want advocating on behalf of them, their interests and their communities. 

The nomination periods are now open, but the clock is ticking. Depending on the organization, nominations will close on Friday or Monday. Read more to learn what each organization does for Inuit and what positions are looking to be filled.

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is the legal representative of all Inuit in Nunavut for treaty rights and treaty negotiations. NTI co-ordinates and manages Inuit responsibilities set out in the Nunavut Agreement and works with the federal and territorial governments on issues such as housing and cultural rights.

This year the organization is electing a new vice-president. 

Eligible candidates and voters must be Canadian citizens, at least 16 years of age, and be Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement. Votes are accepted through advanced polls on Dec. 5, mobile polls, by proxy, mail-in ballot or voting in person on Dec. 12, election day. 

Nominations are open until Nov. 4. Visit the NTI elections website for more information on how to submit nomination packages. 

Kitikmeot Inuit Association represents the legal, cultural and communal interests of all Inuit living in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. 

Nominations are open until Nov. 7 for six positions: 

• President
• Vice-president of social and cultural development
• Kugluktuk board member
• Gjoa Haven board member
• Taloyoak board member
• Kugaaruk board member

Visit the KIA Facebook page for more info on the organization. 

Qikiqtani Inuit Association is the regional Inuit association for the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut. It represents 51 per cent of Inuit living in the territory, the largest of the three regional Inuit organizations. 

QIA is electing a president and eight regional community director positions in Clyde River, Igloolik, Iqaluit, Kimmirut, Pond Inlet, Sanikiluaq, Sanirajak and Kinngait, which is a by-election. 

Nominations are due on Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. local time. Find more info on the QIA elections website. 

Kivalliq Inuit Association represents the interests of all Inuit living in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. 

It acts as a lobbying group and administers and monitors certain provisions of the Nunavut Final Agreement in the Kivalliq Region, including managing Inuit owned lands in the region, providing information about land claims beneficiaries and working to protect Arctic wildlife and the environment, among other services. 

The five positions open for election include:

• Secretary-treasurer
• Community director for Arviat
• Community director for Baker Lake
• Community director for Chesterfield Inlet
• Community director for Coral Harbour

The nomination period opened on Oct. 24 and will close on Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. local time. 

Visit the KIA elections website for more information on voter eligibility and how to submit nomination packages.