Our History
Landholding Corporations Working Group: The Path Toward the Creation of the Nunavik Landholding Corporations Association
The Landholding Corporations (LHCs) Working Group was established by the Makivik Corporation in 1996. Its initial mandate was to evaluate the situation of the Landholding Corporations, address recurring financial challenges, and propose measures to strengthen their mandates and responsibilities as defined in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) and various Quebec laws. Representing the Landholding Corporations in the Working Group were Putulik Papigatuk, President of the Qaqqalik Landholding Corporation of Salluit, Daniel Epoo, LHCs Coordinator, and Robert Deer, Manager of the Tuvaaluk Landholding Corporation of Quaqtaq.
In 2001, the Working Group became particularly active. That November, for the first time in many years, the Presidents of the Landholding Corporations gathered to meet with representatives from regional organizations and various Quebec government ministries. During this meeting, a resolution was adopted to establish the Nunavik Landholding Corporations Association (NLHCA), with the goal of increasing the visibility and collective voice of Landholding Corporations across Nunavik.
Following this milestone, the Working Group continued its efforts, notably by developing a fund distribution formula for allocations provided by Makivik under the Sanarrutik Agreement, a 25-year partnership between the Inuit and the Government of Quebec designed to promote economic growth and community development in Nunavik.
Incorporation of the Nunavik Landholding Corporations Association
The Nunavik Landholding Corporations Association (NLHCA) was officially incorporated on May 17, 2002, as a non-profit organization representing all 15 Inuit Landholding Corporations across Nunavik.
The Association’s first Annual General Meeting was held in Kuujjuaq from February 17 to 21, 2003. During this inaugural gathering, participants adopted several key resolutions addressing corporate and administrative matters, including the election of executives and the standardization of rules governing land administration and compensation related to natural resource extraction.
The first elected executive team consisted of Putulik Papigatuk as President, Noah Inukpuk as Vice-President, and David Annanak as Secretary-Treasurer. Daniel Epoo was appointed as the Association’s first General Manager, a role he held until 2010.
Founding of the Nunavik Landholding Corporations Association
The Nunavik Landholding Corporations Association was incorporated on May 17, 2002, as a non-profit corporation representing all 15 Inuit Landholding Corporations:
- Epigituk Landholding Corporation of Killiniq
- Qiniqtiq Landholding Corporation of Kangiqsualujjuaq
- Nayumivik Landholding Corporation of Kuujjuaq
- Arqivik Landholding Corporation of Tasiujaq
- Nunavik Landholding Corporation of Aupaluk
- Saputik Landholding Corporation of Kangirsuk
- Tuvaaluk Landholding Corporation of Quaqtaq
- Nunaturlik Landholding Corporation of Kangiqsujuaq
- Qaqqalik Landholding Corporation of Salluit
- Nuvummi Landholding Corporation of Ivujivik
- Qekeirriaq Landholding Corporation of Akulivik
- Pituvik Landholding Corporation of Inukjuak
- Anniturvik Landholding Corporation of Umiujaq
- Sakkuq Landholding Corporation of Kuujjuarapik
- Kigaluk Landholding Corporation of Chisasibi
The first Annual General Meeting took place in Kuujjuaq from February 17 to 21, 2003. During this meeting, resolutions were passed on corporate and administrative issues, including the election of executives and standardizing rules for land administration and compensation for natural resources extraction.
First Elected Executives:
- Putulik Papigatuk, President
- Noah Inukpuk, Vice President
- David Annanak, Secretary-Treasurer
- Daniel Epoo was hired as the General Manager and served until 2010.
From the Nunavik Landholding Corporations Association to the Nunaliit Association
In 2025, after more than two decades of service, the Nunavik Landholding Corporations Association embarked on a new chapter in its history by modernizing its image and reaffirming its identity. A key milestone in this renewal was the adoption of a new designation: Nunaliit Association.
The word Nunaliit carries a dual meaning in Inuktitut, signifying both community and landowner, reflecting our organization’s mission to unite and empower the Landholding Corporations who protect and manage Inuit lands.
Since its humble beginnings, the Nunaliit Association has grown considerably, strengthening its role in supporting Landholding Corporations across Nunavik. With this renewed identity, Nunaliit is determined to build on its successes by enhancing and expanding the range of services offered to LHCs, ensuring it remains a strong and relevant partner in meeting their evolving needs and aspirations.