The Qikiqtani Inuit Association had a very productive Board of Directors meeting last week in Iqaluit.

The QIA Board of Directors is made up of the 13 Community Directors, elected by Inuit in each of their respective communities. The Executive Committee of the Board includes a Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President and President who are elected region-wide as well as three Community Director members-at-large who are appointed by the Board.

They voted unanimously to pass the 2021-2022 operating budgets. Highlights include:

• A balanced budget of $36 million
• Benefits funds programs increased from $1.8 million to $2 million dollars. This money comes from the Legacy Fund return on investment
• Other programs and contributions increased from $8.6 million to $9.6 million, due to increase in Nauttiqsuqtiit salaries as negotiated in the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement
• Benefits increased from $14.7 million to $16 million due to increase in Nauttiqsuqtiit programming
• Mary River Impact and Benefit Agreement and project management costs remain same at $3.6 million

QIA regularly puts out calls, asking for Qikiqtani Inuit to participate in committees and boards. The QIA Board of Directors takes the names of people who want to be involved, and appoint them during board meetings.

It was apparent during this meeting that not very many Qikiqtani Inuit put their names forward to participate in committees and boards. It is unfortunate, because these committees and boards are integral to decisions that affect everyone in the region. If you are interested in participating in a committee or board, get in touch with QIA through your local Community Liaison Officer.

Here is a list of the committees, and the people who were appointed to them during this past meeting.

1. a) Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, one position. Four-year term: Joshua T. Arreak of Pond Inlet
2. b) Kakivak Grants and Loans Appeals Committee, one position, three-year term: No nominations moved to next Board of Directors meeting
3. c) QIA Social Policy Committee: Elder representative, one position, three-year term: Isaac Shooyook of Arctic Bay

Women’s representative, one position, three-year term: No nominations moved to next Board of Directors meeting

Men’s representative, one position, three-year term: David Qavvik

1. d) Sylvia Grinnell & Qaummarviit Territorial Park: one position, three-year term: No nominations moved to the next board of directors meeting
2. e) Katannilik Territorial Park: one position, three-year term: Ningeolaa Killiktee of Kimmirut
3. f) Napaartulik Territorial Park: three positions, two-year term

Only two submissions: Annie Audlaluk of Grise Fiord, Imooshee Nutaraqjuk of Grise Fiord

1. g) Aggutinni Territorial Park: one position, three-year term: No Nominations moved to the next board of directors meeting
2. h) Kinngaaluk Territorial Park: two positions, three-year term: No Nomination moved to the next board of directors meeting
3. i) Quttinirpaaq National Joint Parks Management Committees, two positions, until completion: No nominations moved to next Board of Directors meeting
4. j) Aujuittuq National Joint Parks Management Committee: two positions, until completion: No nominations moved to next Board of Directors meeting
5. k) Qausuittuq National Joint Parks Management Committee, one position, until completion: No nominations moved to next Board of Directors meeting
6. l) Sirmilik National Joint Parks Management Committee, one position, until completion: No nominations moved to next Board of Directors meeting
7. m) Qausuittuq Park Planning Teams: one position, until completion: No nominations moved to next Board of Directors meeting
8. n) Quttiniqpaaq Park Planning Teams: one position, until completion: Larry Audlaluk of Grise Fiord
9. o) QIA Finance Committee member: one position: Abraham Qamaniq

Along with this, the Board wrapped up a long-standing discussion on whether to support the expansion of the Mary River iron ore mine, owned by Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation.

The Board of Directors voted to not support the mining company’s planned expansion.

That’s because Inuit did not participate in the development of the proposal, said QIA president P.J. Akeeagok.

QIA is in favour of resource development, but Inuit must be involved in the development plans from the beginning. Mary River continues to operate in its current capacity, and QIA will continue to uphold Inuit rights and interests with respect to the project.

Finally, while they were in Iqaluit, three Board members got their first Moderna vaccine. That’s because they were missing the vaccine clinics in their home community while they were at the meeting.

Community Directors Mathew Jaw from Kinngait and Moses Appaqaq from Sanikiluaq, and Vice President Olayuk Akesuk, also from Kinngait, will be able to get their second dose in their home community.

Akesuk said he got the shot because he doesn’t want to die from COVID-19, and he wants to protect his family and help keep everyone in his community safe, too.