22nd Nunavik Inuit Elders Conference

By Michel Patry

The 22nd Nunavik Inuit Elders Conference was held in Kuujjuaraapik from September 19 to 21, 2017. Thirty delegates from the fourteen Inuit communities in Nunavik, as well as Chisasibi, attended the event.

The Elders Conference is a significant gathering for Elders. Held every two years, the conference also acts as the Institute’s general meeting. Accordingly, each department of the Institute presented an activity report to the delegates. Representatives from the Direction of Youth Protection, Qarjuit Youth Council, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, CBC North, Nunavik Elders Association, Nuvviti Corporation and Jobie Tukkiapik, President of Makivik Corporation spoke to the delegates. Finally, an election was held to choose the new members of the Avataq Board of Directors.

This edition’s theme was “Where does our identity stand”, a complex topic involving many issues like the effects of colonization, preservation of language and traditional lifestyles, transmission of culture, and the future of the youth and modernity. The discussion, led by Zebedee Nungak and Bobby Snowball, provoked strong reactions. A report to this effect should be delivered shortly to Avataq.

An exchange with the Cree of Whapmagoostui took place on the site of their cultural camp, and a feast, gathering the community and delegates, was held to close the meeting.

The next conference will be held in Kangiqsuallujjuaq in the fall of 2019.

New Board of Directors:

Josepi Padlayat, Salluit – President

Caroline Palliser, Inukjuak – Director

Jeannie Nungak, Kangirsuk – Director

Sarollie Weetaluktuk, Inukjuak – Director

Solomonie Alayco, Akulivik - Director

The Avataq Cultural Institute would like to thank all the sponsors of the conference:

Kativik Regional Government

Makivik Corporation

The Nunavik Regional Health Board and Social

Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec