Keewatin Inuit Association Organized

From a June 2, 1975 media release

The Inuit people of the Keewatin, at a meeting in Eskimo Point, May 28th and 29th, 1975, have made a historic decision to organize themselves as the Keewatin Inuit Association. Twenty delegates representing 3,500 Inuit in the communities of Repulse Bay, Coral Harbour, Chesterfield Inlet, Sanikiluaq, Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, Eskimo Point and Whale Cove agreed that this new Association was needed to give them a strong voice in their own affairs. The Association will get into full operation in August, 1975 from a headquarters at Rankin Inlet.

Elected as President of the Keewatin Inuit Association was David Aglukark of Eskimo Point, with Leo Kalujak (Whale Cove) as Vice President and Bill Kashla (Baker Lake) as Secretary Treasurer. Others elected to the Board of Directors are; Jerome Tattuinaq (Rankin Inlet), Peter Alugut (Coral Harbour), Elee Kemalearqyuk (Chesterfield Inlet), Lucassie Inuktaluk (Sanikiluaq) and Lucian Taparti (Rankin Inlet).

The Association will be affiliated with the Ottawa based “Inuit Tapirisat of Canada” in protecting, defending and promoting the interests and aspirations of the Inuit people.

[ KIA Website ]