First Face-to-face Meeting With Members After Two Years

The Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre welcomed its members on October 20, 2021, at the Kuujjuaq Forum for its 2020–2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM). This AGM was the first face-to-face meeting the organization held with its members for two years due to the pandemic. With strict safety measures and social distancing enforced, we welcomed our participating members: Makivik Corporation, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services (NRBHSS), Kativik Regional Government (KRG), Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (KI), Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre, and Inuulitsivik Health Centre (Inuulitsivik).

To set the tone of the AGM, Isuarsivik Board Member, Iola Metuq, pronounced the opening prayer while Isuarsivik Counsellor, Elsie Simigak, lighted up the qulliq. Inuit artists Sandy and Janice executed a drum and throat signing performance.

Isuarsivik President Dave Forrest introduced the theme of “Unity” and referred to the work of everyone in the community and regionally to promote projects focus on the wellbeing of Nunavimmiut. He also added that the word “Unity” means much more than collaboration; it means respecting each other and moving towards a shared vision.

In the afternoon, former guests Phoebe and Noah from Inukjuak shared a powerful and inspiring testimony by phone about their life journey towards recovery. Their strength, commitment and true love for their children touched the heart of all attendees.

During the day meeting, Kuujjuamiut artist Hannah Tooktoo Koneak designed a canvas to represent the theme “Unity”. The painting became a collective art piece, the result of the combined work of all the 2021 Isuarsivik’s Annual General Meeting participants.

The meeting was recorded by TNI and CBC and broadcast the following days on the regional radio.

The next 2021–2022 Annual General Meeting will be held in Kuujjuaq on September 21, 2022.