QIA celebrates 50th anniversary with party in Iqaluit
Regional Inuit organization marks milestone at end of annual general meeting
Robert Mark dances with his daughter, Marla Mark, 2, during the the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s 50th anniversary celebration at Nakashuk School in Iqaluit, Friday evening. (Photo by Daron Letts)
Laughter, hugs, music, and games filled the Nakasuk Elementary School gymnasium in Iqaluit on Friday night, as hundreds of Inuit joined together for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Atsina Uniuqsaraq lines up her slapshot during a seniors game in Nakasuk School gymnasium in Iqaluit, Friday night for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s 50th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Daron Letts)
“It is so nice to see everyone gathering,” said Robert Mark, in between sharing bouncy dances with his daughter, Marla Mark, 2. “This is what Nunavut is all about — community.”
The event was “major fun,” said Atsina Uniuqsaraq, who participated in the seniors slapshot tournament. She didn’t win a prize, but her smile suggested that didn’t matter.
The association held its annual general meeting throughout the week.
The board of directors also met to review and approve resolutions and other business.
The board resolved to continue collaborating with the 13 Qikiqtani communities to ensure the Harvester’s Support Grant maintains its focus on supporting women and youth, as well as intercommunity learning initiatives.
Mary Itorcheak plays accordion while Norbert Poitras plays drums on stage in the Nakasuk Elementary School gym Friday during the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s 50th annviversary celebration. (Photo by Daron Letts)
Some committee vacancies were filled, including the appointment of Billy Etooangat of Pangnirtung to the association’s executive committee.
“We’re very proud of what the vision was from the people that started the association. Here we are now celebrating it 50 years later,” said president Olayuk Akesuk. “We’ll be celebrating in every community.”
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association is one of three designated Inuit organizations under the Nunavut Agreement, representing 51 per cent of Inuit living in the territory.
I know this will not sound good to some people
But
QIA is far off in vision the whole board and president need to be over hauled
They just keep the funds between one another so much so that Nunavut has regressed it has not grown to the potential that was probably once envision once soon a time
They just keep slapping money around with no real plan
Not sure what you expected from an entity that has no real incentive, unlike real corporations the stakeholders have no power, and the powerful have no stake.
Isn’t all one perpetual party of make-work duplicating what GN should be doing? FYI here’s their mission statement:
Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) advances the rights and benefits of Qikiqtani Inuit through protecting and promoting our social, political, economic and cultural interests; while safeguarding the land, waters and resources that sustain our communities.
Nice to see the schools being used for public celebration events again. I recall that this was not allowed during Christmas games and was defended due to wear and tear on the building. I hope this is applied fairly and not favouritism toward certain groups.
See story how QIA is helping us:
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/qia-announces-152m-for-affordable-housing-projects/