February 8, 2002
Nunavik parties discuss
framework agreement for self-government negotiations
Executives of all major
organizations except the Kativik School Board met in Kuujjuaq last week to go
over the draft of an agreement that will serve as a framework for self-government
negotiations.
The final agreement will
set out the principles, structure, subject matter, source of funding and timetable
for self-government negotiations, which could start up in April.
Among many items up for
negotiation, the draft agreement includes the creation of a Nunavik assembly,
consolidation of organizations created by the James Bay and Northern Quebec
Agreement and block-funding for the new Nunavik government.
According to the agreement,
negotiators from Nunavik, Quebec City and Ottawa will also agree to find some
way of accommodating other aboriginal groups, such as Crees and Naskapis, who
live on the territory.
"It's a good starting point
for negotiations," said Kativik Regional chairman Johnny Adams who said the
framework agreement addressed the major issues on the table.
Fernand Roy from the Secrétariat
des affaires autochtones,the native affairs secretariat in Quebec City,
also said the agreement would be a solid launch-pad for negotiations.
Last week in Kuujjuaq,
executives from the KSB also met separately with Makivik Corporation's executive
and lawyers.
In December, the KSB handed
Makivik, the KRG, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services and
the Kativik Regional Development Council with a declaration that sought a temporary
stop as well as a permanent injunction on self-government negotiations.
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