Samuel Alagalak wants to bring gold processing to Nunavut
Former Kivalliq Inuit Association leader running in NTI presidential byelection
Samuel Alagalak is one of 10 candidates running for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s top job. (File photo by David Venn)
Nunatsiaq News is publishing profiles of the 10 candidates in Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s May 27 presidential byelection.
Samuel Alagalak is hoping to bring sweeping changes to the territory if elected president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
“It’s very important for people to know that Nunavut is in its prime,” he said in a phone interview.
“We need to start moving forward.”
Alagalak, 54, is one of 10 people running for president of NTI, the organization responsible for ensuring obligations made to Nunavut Inuit under the Nunavut Agreement are upheld.
Inuit beneficiaries will head to the polls on May 27 for the byelection that was called to fill the vacancy created by Jeremy Tunraluk, who resigned in January.
Alagalak is a former assistant chief operating officer and secretary-treasurer for Kivalliq Inuit Association. He also served as chairman of Rankin Inlet’s Kangiqliniq Hunters and Trappers Organization.
In the that role, he led a protest in November against the Kivalliq Inuit Association and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. by blocking the road leading to the Meliadine gold mine site. He said he felt Agnico Eagle was “exploiting” the land and KIA wasn’t doing anything about it.
“I’m not anti-mining,” Alagalak said. “They do create jobs and wealth, employment and training opportunities for Inuit.”
However, mines are not bringing lasting benefits for Inuit, he said.
“If we’re going to continue down this path of mining and exploiting our land, both our land and that gold are going to be gone.”
Normally, all gold mined in Nunavut is shipped south. Alagalak says NTI should support the creation of enterprises that will process and polish the gold in the territory, creating more local jobs.
But first, Nunavut should adopt the Nunavut Land Use Plan, he said.
The plan is a guide to areas of Nunavut open to development. It has been in the works for 20 years, but its latest draft has been waiting close to three years for approval from three signatories — Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Nunavut government and the federal government.
“I’m just really not sure what’s the holdup,” Alagalak said.
He also believes Inuit should be getting dividends from NTI and regional Inuit associations.
That money would come from profits made by the organizations’ business arms like Sakku Investment Corp. and Qikiqtaaluk Corp., along with mining royalties. In 2024, NTI and regional Inuit associations earned just under $100 million in mining royalties.
As well, Inuit organizations should play a bigger role in Nunavut’s economy, Alagalak said. Whether it’s through creating not-for-profit NTI-run grocery stores or becoming a shareholder in airlines servicing Nunavut.
“We do have the money. We have the freedom to pursue reduction of the cost of living for Nunavummiut,” he said.
A son of former Arviat MLA David Alagalak and Full Gospel Church minister Hattie Alagalak, Samuel Alagalak has lived in Rankin Inlet since 2008.
He has three children, three stepchildren and 10 grandchildren.
As an avid hunter and craftsman, Alagalak enjoys making traditional Inuit tools including knives, harpoons and ulus.
You need a year around road to manitoba for all your ideas to really work.
In its prime? how delusional. Sam’s ideas are one big ponzi scheme. just moving the money around. and gold processing…NPO grocery stores? how about actually getting people to work. create income. creates opportunity.