Zebedee Nungak has quit his job as president of the Makivik Corporation after an outcry over his alcohol abuse and irregularities in his work performance.
Nungak resigned at a meeting of Makivik’s board of directors on Sept. 18, called to confront him with allegations of erratic behaviour caused by alcohol abuse.
“We want people to be aware that we’re not going to take this situation,” Makivik treasurer Pita Aatami said.
“In Nunavik people are aware that there is a booze problem. People are aware of it, and we want people to understand that we are doing something about it.”
Aatami will serve as interim president until a new president is chosen when the Inuit ofNorthern Quebec go to the polls on Oct. 22.
“I need to devote undivided attention to my health and wellness, as well as my large, growing family,” Nungak said in a press release shortly after he announced his resignation.
“I have to step off the Makivik train and spend time to heal some scars resulting from long absences from my family and community.”
Nungak has been active in the Inuit political world for over two decades. He cofounded the Northern Quebec Inuit Association and was a signatory to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
Nungak himself took over as president in 1995 after Simeonie NaJukturuk resigned overan alcohol-related motor vehicle accident in Montreal.
SOURCE: NUNATSIAQ NEWS
