First Board of Directors Meeting for 2019
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) hosted its first board meeting of 2019 in Iqaluit on March 6, 2019.
The Board of Directors meetings are the opportunities for board members and staff to have important discussions about our work and the next steps.
We presented reports on the renewed efforts to implement action on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC), the first Inuit-sponsored and Inuit-led initiative of its kind. We were very proud to release the ‘Action on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission’ report, which sets out a plan for a formal acknowledgement, apology and action on the QTC recommendations. This was a very timely report in light of Prime Minister Trudeau’s Nanilavut Apology on March 8, 2019, in Iqaluit. You can see the statement from QIA’s President, P.J. Akeeagok, on the apology here.
We also released a food sovereignty and harvesting report to help guide the discussions on food security in our region and our Territory. This report outlines a forward looking, solution oriented approach to Nunavut’s food problems. Our report calls for the need to shift the thinking from food security to food sovereignty. This means renewing policy frameworks and funding models to empower Inuit to feed our communities. When Inuit provide country food, they also reinvigorates Inuit cultural practices, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, language and self-sufficiency. Supporting food sovereignty shows a commitment towards reconciliation and stimulates local economies.
We are experiencing tremendous growth in our programs and benefits agreements. The Board of Directors approved the 2019-20 budget and they voted on appointments for a number of boards and committees. These include multi-year terms to the Kakivak Association Grants and Loans Appeals Committee, Nunavut Impact Review Board, Nunavut Disabilities Council, Inuit Heritage Trust and Joint Parks Management Committees.
You can learn more about on our recent accomplishments and activities in the Winter 2019 newsletter.
The board meeting was preceded by the orientation for the new board members who were elected to their positions on December 10, 2018. We were very excited to welcome the new board members and continue the great start in 2019.
