The members of the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Annual General Meeting wrapped up their meeting in Iqaluit last week. It was the first time members met since they agreed to reduce their numbers in half during last year’s meeting. NTI President Paul Kaludjak said the new AGM format made for a more efficient meeting.
“I am happy to say that we accomplished the same amount of work and met all of our goals with fewer members and in less time,” said Kaludjak, noting the meeting finished a half day ahead of schedule. “We have not compromised Beneficiaries by reducing the number of people around this table. The new efficiency allows us to better represent and discuss the needs of Inuit because we have more time to focus on issues brought forward by the regional delegates.”
NTI will continue to look at ways to fine-tune operations between the organization and the Regional Inuit Associations during the Closer to Inuit study commissioned earlier this year. The study is examining ways to reduce duplication and better define the roles of NTI and the RIAs.
Reports delivered by women, Elders and youth representatives of the RIAs were also well-received. Members passed a resolution calling for social issues to be treated more seriously.
“The representatives bring community issues to the forefront of our meetings. We must ensure they receive the support they need to continue to do so, and we have to find ways to deal with the very serious social and economic issues they are reporting on,” said Kaludjak.
AGM members also listened to presentations made by representatives of several different organizations, including Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak. Kaludjak said it was important for the territorial and federal governments to remain committed in their role to represent Inuit.
“We must continue to work with the Government of Nunavut and the federal government to deal with the many expectations of Nunavummiut, reminding the governments they cannot work in isolation of Inuit,” said Kaludjak.
Members also approved the proposed budget for the 2010/11 fiscal year. The $41 million budget provides financial resources to NTI, RIAs, and Inuit Heritage Trust for activities to be carried out in the 2010/2011 fiscal year.
NTI Operational Fiscal Year 2010-2011 $ 20,771,447
Kitikmeot Inuit Association $ 4,479,276
Kivalliq Inuit Association $ 3,926,106
Qikiqtani Inuit Association $ 5,086,476
Inuit Heritage Trust $ 1,071,547
Beneficiary Benefits Plan $ 900,000
Community Liaison Officers – QIA $ 1,390,461
– KivIA $ 707,430
– KitIA $ 456,335
Additional Spending Request $2,579,572
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TOTAL FUNDS REQUESTED FROM NUNAVUT TRUST $ 41,368,649
The AGM membership also approved the audited financial statements of the previous fiscal year which are available in the 2009 NTI Annual Report on www.tunngavik.com.
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