January 20, 1977

As ITC was preparing a revised land claims proposal, president James Arvaluk resigned from the job, saying he was tired and needed a break.

Arvaluk resigns as ITC president

IQALUIT — James Arvaluk announced last Monday, January 17, that he intends to resign from his position as President of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada effective at the end of the organization's annual conference, to be held next week in Fort Chimo, Quebec.

Mr. Arvaluk cited personal reasons for his decision to resign. He said he is very tired after five years of working with the Inuit organization, and must take a break.

In a statement issued Monday, he apologized to his friends and supporters for leaving before his term of office is finished.

However, he said, having made the decision, this is the proper time to announce it so delegates at the annual meeting can decide what to do about filling the vacancy.

James Arvaluk joined the Inuit Tapirisat in 1972 as Director of Communications and Coordinator of Land Claims, and was elected president in September of 1974. He was re-elected to a two-year term last March at the annual conference in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT.

In addition to being President of ITC, Mr Arvaluk has been a Director of the Federation of Natives North of 60, the National and Provincial Parks Association of Canada, and the Canadian Association in Support of the Native Peoples.