President’s Message: December 2025

On behalf of the KIA Board of Directors, Staff, and myself I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. I would also like to take this chance to let you know that all KIA Offices will be closed from the end-of-day December 16 until the morning of January 5, 2026.

Looking back on this year, I would have to say that there were successes and things that the KIA should be proud of accomplishing. Unfortunately, this year was also marked by the loss of two great men who were members of the KIA family; Robert (Bobby) Greenley (President) and Attima Hadlari (Vice President).

It is losses like these that makes spending time with those we love even more important and I sincerely wish that you all take the time to let those in your life know how important they are to you – over the holidays as well as throughout the rest of the year.

This year saw the opening of the B2Gold Goose Gold Mine. The KIA held Introduction to the Mining Industry Courses designed to position Kitikmeot Inuit for careers in the mining industry (this course is being offered in two more communities this coming January). I was immensely proud to see ten graduates from the Introduction Course successfully complete an Underground Mining Training Program at Aurora College which was made possible with funding from Agnico Eagle and B2Gold Nunavut. Programs like this are at the heart of what the KIA does to ensure that any economic activity on our land benefits Kitikmeot Inuit with real job opportunities.

This commitment was also seen in the Social and Cultural Programs we offered this past year and the addition of several key staff members to that department (more to come on this in the New Year). We are committed to continue programming that protects, promotes, and preserves Inuit language and culture at the community level.

This past year also saw us offer community-based workshops that provide the opportunity for Kitikmeot Inuit to improve their employability and sharpen their job searching abilities and improve their resume and cover letter writing skills.

In 2026, based on our current Strategic Plan, the KIA will be recruiting and hiring more staff to better position us to represent the interests of the Kitikmeot, our land and the people who call this great region home.

I am extremely proud to be President of the KIA as well as of what the KIA does every day to support the Kitikmeot.

I look forward to next year and communicating with you on a more regular basis.

In closing, I wish everyone a good holiday season and ask you to appreciate those around you and to take a moment or thought to honor those we have lost. Whether staying home or travelling elsewhere, remember those who have less and may need a kind word or gesture to make their holidays more enjoyable.

James Eetoolook President, Kitikmeot Inuit Association

James Eetoolook

President, Kitikmeot Inuit Association

P: (867) 983-2458 ext. 1001

E: jeetoolook@kitia.ca