Popert runs for Makivik presidency

Annie Popert, the controversial commissioner of the Let Us Share report, has entered the race for Makivik Corp. president.

She will join Johnny Oovaut, the mayor of Quaqtaq, and incumbent Pita Aatami in a three-way contest for the powerful position.

The deadline for nominations was Feb. 27.

Popert, a former director-general of the Kativik School Board, was one of two commissioners who refused to sign the 2001 Let Us Share document outlining future grounds for self-government negotiations.

At the time, Popert said the process behind the commission was flawed. She claimed the Nunavik Commission’s report short-changed Nunavimmiut because it sidestepped such issues as Quebec sovereignty and native rights. She said the commission’s report could rob Nunavimmiut of their political voice.

Oovaut, the other new nominee, is a gospel singer and mayor of Quaqtaq.

Aatami is seeking his third term as head of Makivik.

Elections will be held across Nunavik on Mar. 28, the final day of Makivik’s annual general meeting.