Makivik president steps aside

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In a surprise move, Simeonie Nalukturuk has resigned as president of Makivik Corporation just 17 months after taking over the helm from Senator Charlie Watt.

Steven Hendrie, spokesman for the body representing Northern Quebec's Inuit, said Nalukturuk resigned for "personal reasons." But sources said he remained troubled by a drinking-and-driving accident last spring for which he is to appear in court this fall.

In April, Nalukturuk went on Inuit radio to apologize for the incident. But members of Makivik's board of governors, an advisory body of Elders, remained unhappy with his conduct and led a movement to unseat him.

Nalukturuk submitted his resignation Aug. 4 to Makivik's board of directors, a body with representatives from the Inuit communities.

After some deliberation, directors accepted the resignation and appointed Zebedee Nungak, first vice-president of Makivik, to take over as president. He will officially take over Aug. 30. Nungak's appointment will be reviewed at Makivik's next annual general meeting in the spring. If approved, he will serve in the job until the next election in a year and a half.

In an election for the presidency in March 1994, Nalukturuk narrowly edged out Charlie Watt, who had held the job for many years. Before the vote, Watt had been stung by accusations that he had gained personal profit from his political connections and led an extravagant lifestyle.

He was also criticized for entering a compensation agreement with Hydro-Quebec for the Great Whale hydroelectric project. The five communities closest to the Great Whale River provided most of Nalukturuk's votes. The senator was nicknamed "Charlie Megawatt" because of the perception that he was overly friendly with the hydro-developers.