Makivik V-P re-elected

Adamie Alaku was re-elected as vice-president for economic development in a election last Friday that capped the Makivik Corporation’s annual general meeting in Aupaluk.

Alaku received 1,216 votes or 55 per cent of ballots, defeating Mary May Simon, who received 1,009 votes.

Alaku’s support was strongest in Puvirnituq, Akulivik, Salluit and Tasiujaq, while Simon won Inukjuak, Quaqtaq, Kangiqsualujjuaq and Montreal.

“They look at us as a team,” said Makivik president Pita Aatami about the election results. “We’re a very good team. We don’t always agree on the issues, but we agree at the end day on what’s best for Nunavik, so I was very happy that he did get voted in.”

Aatami also looked at the election results as a sign that Nunavimmiut support the direction of self-government negotiations.

“People are starting to be aware that it’s going to be them that decides in the end. We’re not going into this blind,” Aatami said. “There is a lot of work that has to be done even before we go to the people and say this is what we could have.”

Voter turnout was low. Out of a possible 5,288 eligible voters, all beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, 2,230, or 42 per cent, came out to cast ballots.