Kuujjuaq, Quebec September 10, 2008 – Nunavik Inuit beneficiaries will recommend in a Nunavik wide referendum on Sept 17 how a minimum of two million dollars from the new offshore Nunavik Inuit Land claim should be spent.
The money is the result of the first payment in the large land claim that took effect on July 10, 2008, and comes from the Nunavik Inuit Trust that disburses funds from the settlement back to Inuit beneficiaries and communities.
Makivik President Pita Aatami said the vote is in response to views expressed two years ago during the Makivik community consultation tour.
“At that time people said they should have some say in how these monies are disbursed” says Mr. Aatami, and “they also offered a number of suggestions”. From those suggestions, the Makivik executive put five options on the ballot.
- Individual compensation
- Relief for the high cost of living
- Additional fuel rebates
- Community development programs
- Assistance in purchasing hunting and fishing equipment
Mr. Aatami said he expects there will be a mixed response, but the corporation is committed to following the majority on the question and adds “ this is far better approach and more democratic than having a few elected executives deciding on the best course for everybody”.
For people unable to vote on the 17th of September an advanced poll is open in all communities today, Wednesday Sept 10.
-30-
For more information:
Whit Fraser
Communications Consultant
Makivik Head Office
819.964.2925
w_fraser@makivik.org
Kitty Gordon
Communications Agent
1111, Dr.Frederik-Philips
St-Laurent, Qc H4M 2X6
514.745.8880 ext 215
514.910.0169 cell
k_gordon@makivik.org
