Nunavik smiles for Lucien, then signs for the cash

KANGIQSUALUJJUAQ Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard’s visit to Kangiqsualujjuaq this week may signal the start of warmer relations between Quebec and Nunavik.

Last Tuesday, Makivik Corporation President Zebedee Nungak told Bouchard he’s not losing sleep anymore over the prospect of an independent Quebec, despite his long-standing criticism of Bouchard’s sovereignty movement.

Meanwhile, during his visit Bouchard urged people in Nunavik not to try and solve all the world’s problems, and to put aside all “negative” ideas, such as the partition of Quebec.

Over the summer, Ottawa and Quebec City have been waging a war of words over Ottawa’s suggestion that those regions of Quebec whose residents wish to stay in Canada may be partioned from regions whose residents wish to separate.

But no one wanted to talk about the partition issue during Bouchard’s visit.

Nunavik wants self-government talks

Instead, Nunavik leaders told Bouchard they want to move ahead once more with self-government negotiations.

They suggested that a new body, with appointees from various Nunavik organizations and government bodies, could discuss how to revive a process that fizzled after the 1995 referendum on sovereignty.

If talking with Quebec can produce results, Nungak says this kind of dialogue can”t hurt.

“Does it work for us? Does it work for our people and our territory?,” asked Nungak. “If it does, we will pursue it.”

The recent visit to Kangiqsualujjuaq was Bouchard’s first official visit to Nunavik, and the first by any Quebec government leader since 1984.

Shaking Bouchard’s hand

Bouchard’s arrival in Kangiqsualujjuaq was reason enough for celebration, as residents turned out in force to shake his hand.

Young students at Satuumavik School came out to try out the French they’re learning in school.

The Parti Québecois leader brought along an entourage of Quebec provincial government cabinet ministers and deputy ministers to meet with representatives from the Kativik Regional Government, the Kativik Regional Development Council, and the Makivik Corporation.

“We have a common future,” the Premier told the gathering. “We have so much to work on.”

Those who participated in a two-hour official meeting behind closed doors called the discussions “positive,” “optimistic,” “fruitful,” “civil” and a “solid step forward.” Observers said Nunavik’s housing crisis, transportation problems, and the need for more wildlife monitoring were among the topics they discussed.

The Quebec government also signed three major agreements with the KRG.

“It’s about arranging our relations,” said Bouchard. “You have rights we want to recognize.”

Various hand-out agreements

The framework agreement on development now gives the KRG’s development council a larger role in acting on regional priorities. Its 15 recommendations are designed to boost Inuit culture, language, education and employment.

Another deal, worth $200,000 a year, formally recognized the creation of the Nunavik Tourism Association.

The mining industry will also get $1 million a year for three years. This money is supposed to encourage Inuit to get involved in the mining industry through education, training and creation of joint ventures.

Chevrette likes the warm and fuzzies

Guy Chevrette, Quebec’s minister for natural resources and regional development, said he’s delighted with the warm reception given to the government team.

“Now there’s a kind of understanding where before there was aggressivity,” Chevrette said.

He said that’s because his Quebec government has shown it wants to carry through on its promises.

The officials left Kangiqsualujjuaq to continue on to the James Bay region for a visit of the hydroelectric facilities there.

But before heading South, the Quebec government plane dipped close above the water to give Bouchard a look at some huge icebergs.