Northern Quebec Inuit Association Formed

In April 1971, a special General Meeting of representatives from all the Inuit communities in Northern Quebec was held at Inoucdjouac in April 1971. Up to that time, there had been some confusion as to what structure would be adopted in order for the views and problems of the Inuit people in Northern Quebec to be represented as a united body.

The need for an organized representation was becoming more apparent to deal with governments and other "outside" forces which were becoming as active as ever in the Inuit communities, often without proper consultation or consideration for the wishes of the general population.

Several meetings of Inuit representatives had taken place prior to April 1971, but nothing definite had been decided. Inuit spokesmen had attended some meetings with the Indians of Quebec Association, and it was even considered for some time to have the Inuit join the Indian Association in order to have some kind of voice to represent their interests and needs.

There was also the possibility of the Inuit forming their own association, similar to the one that the Indians had. Again, there were the questions as to how exactly such an organization could be operated and funded, and how effective it would be in representing the Inuit.

So confronted with these possibilities, the delegates representing Community Councils, Inuit Cooperatives, and the Federation of Cooperatives in Northern Quebec sat down to make the big decision. After several days of intense argument, discussions, exchange of views, and information, the delegates drew towards a historic conclusion: an independent association for the Inuit people of Northern Quebec. Six founding directors were elected; Charlie Watt, Lazarusie Epoo, Johnny Watt, Jacob Oweetaltuk, Silas Cookie, and Tommy Cain.

Then on June 8th, 1972 the Northern Quebec Inuit Association was incorporated under Part 2 of the Canada Corporations Act. There had been an office in Fort Chimo since the month of April of that year. At that time the N.Q.I.A. staff consisted of three people.

N.Q.I.A.'s aims and objectives are much the same as those of the other Inuit Associations. They are:

1. To help preserve Inuit culture and language and promote dignity and pride in the Inuit heritage.
2. To unite all Inuit of Northern Quebec (and Labrador) and to prepare them with regards to all matters affecting their affairs.
3. To protect the rights of the Inuit hunters and trappers in the Inuit communities of Northern Quebec.
4. To improve communications among the Inuit communities of Northern Quebec by use of all available sources of communications.
5. To assist the Inuit to become aware of their own situation, government plans, aboriginal rights, legal matters and educational opportunities so that they may determine those things of a social, economic, educational and political nature which will affect them and future generations.
6. To assist the Inuit in their rights to full participation in and a sense of belonging to Canadian society and to promote public awareness of those rights.

Text from Taqralik Magazine: 2nd Edition June-July 1974