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Backgrounders / Makivik Corporation

Makivik Corporation was created in 1978 pursuant to the signing of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA). Makivik is the recognized Inuit Party to the Agreement. It is a non-profit organization owned by the Inuit of Nunavik. Its central mandate is the protection of the integrity of the JBNQA, and focuses on the political, social, and economic development of the Nunavik region.

The corporate head office is in Kuujjuaq, the largest community in Nunavik, located on the southernmost part of Ungava Bay. Makivik also has offices in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Over 100 people are employed at Makivik Corporation.

Makivik has negotiated substantial agreements with both Canada and Quebec. In 1990 it settled a Federal Implementation Agreement related to the JBNQA. Makivik negotiated on behalf of the Inuit of Nunavik during constitutional negotiations in 1982 (patriation), and 1992 (Charlottetown). Presently Makivik is leading negotiations with the governments of Quebec and Canada regarding the creation of a Nunavik Government. Makivik is also negotiating a comprehensive offshore claim with the Government of Canada.

As the main engine of Nunavik's economic development, Makivik negotiates agreements with private and public-sector partners. This includes on-going negotiations with Hydro-Québec on existing and proposed James Bay hydro-electric projects, and the mining company Falconbridge Limited regarding the Raglan Nickel Mine project. Makivik is also responsible for investing and managing the funds obtained through these negotiations.

The Corporation's Renewable Resources Development Department operates a Research Centre in Kuujjuaq which carries out scientific research on wildlife, and the environment. Makivik also supports the Hunting Fishing and Trapping Associations in each community, as well as the Landholding Corporations which administer the lands owned exclusively by Inuit (Category l Lands).

The five-member Makivik Executive, and 16 members of the Board of Directors (BOD) are elected by the Inuit residents of Nunavik. A five-member Board of Governors is appointed by the Executive and BOD to serve as a council of elders.

The Inuit of Nunavik, through Makivik Corporation, are strong supporters and participants in the activities of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, and the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, which brings together representatives from Inuit communities around the globe.

Makivik publishes a tri-lingual (Inuttitut, English, French) Annual Report, and a quarterly publication called Makivik Magazine. The corporation has supported a publication for the Nunavik region since the mid 1970s. Information about Makivik's activities is available online at the corporate Internet website located at www.makivik.org. For e-mail inquiries please write to info@makivik.org.