Nunavik parties discuss framework agreement for self-government negotiations

Executives of all major organizations except the Kativik School Board met in Kuujjuaq last week to go over the draft of an agreement that will serve as a framework for self-government negotiations.

The final agreement will set out the principles, structure, subject matter, source of funding and timetable for self-government negotiations, which could start up in April.

Among many items up for negotiation, the draft agreement includes the creation of a Nunavik assembly, consolidation of organizations created by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and block-funding for the new Nunavik government.

According to the agreement, negotiators from Nunavik, Quebec City and Ottawa will also agree to find some way of accommodating other aboriginal groups, such as Crees and Naskapis, who live on the territory.

“It’s a good starting point for negotiations,” said Kativik Regional chairman Johnny Adams who said the framework agreement addressed the major issues on the table.

Fernand Roy from the Secrétariat des affaires autochtones,the native affairs secretariat in Quebec City, also said the agreement would be a solid launch-pad for negotiations.

Last week in Kuujjuaq, executives from the KSB also met separately with Makivik Corporation’s executive and lawyers.

In December, the KSB handed Makivik, the KRG, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services and the Kativik Regional Development Council with a declaration that sought a temporary stop as well as a permanent injunction on self-government negotiations.