The 17th Elders’ Conference
By Katarina Soukup
The 17th Nunavik Inuit Elders’ Conference wrapped up Friday September 28 in Kangiqsujuaq, completing a packed and lively four-day agenda. This year, the theme of the conference was Inuktitut language preservation, a vital and pressing issue for Inuit in the region. During special workshops the elders were consulted on a number of topics ranging from traditional Inuit names to specialized vocabulary. Representatives from all major Inuit organizations in the region were in Kangiqsujuaq to address the elders, as well as representatives from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Quebec Ministère de la Culture et des Communications. As a special honour, the provincial Minister Responsible for Seniors, Marguerite Blais, chose the Nunavik Inuit Elders’ Conference as a stop in her province-wide Public Consultation on the Living Conditions of Seniors. Other events included a community feast, a concert and a special award presentation recognizing the late Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk, a resident of Kangiqsujuaq, for her tireless life long work to preserve Inuit language and culture. The week’s proceedings were broadcast to the entire Nunavik population on radio via Taqramiut Nipingat Ltd.
Result of the election:
President:
Charlie Arngak
Board of Directors:
Jeannie Nungaq (Kangirsuk)
Ida Saviadjuk (Salluit)
Isaki Padlayat (Salluit)
Minnie Itidloie (Kangirsujjuaq)
Participants to the Elders’ Conference
Elder delegate and youth delegate side by side at the table
Elder Alacie Tullaugak from Puvirnituq takes the microphone
Minnie Itidloie lights the qulliq to open the 17th Nunavik Inuit Elders’ Conference
The beautiful village of Kangiqsujuaq - the setting for the 2007 Nunavik Inuit Elders’ Conference
Elders Conference 2007
Avataq Executive Director Rhoda Kokiapik presents an award to Nala, the husband for the late Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk, in recognition of her tireless, lifelong dedication to preserving Inuit language and culture.
Marguerite Blais, Quebec Minister Responsible for Seniors addresses the elders at the conclusion of her half day public consultation during the Elders’ Conference
Isaki Padlayat from Salluit, re-elected as an Avataq Board Member during the conference. The other members are: Jeannie Nungaq (Kangirsuk), Ida Saviadjuk (Salluit), Minnie Itidloie (Kangiqsujjuaq). Charlie Arngak was re-elected President
Avataq President Charlie Arngak addresses the Elders’ Conference delegates.
One of the most touching moments of the conference, the elders lined up to embrace the Saputiit Youth delegates: Saputiit president Jennifer Watkins from Kuujjuaq and elder Viola Napartuk from Umiujaq
