In June, we commemorate National Indigenous History Month. During this month, the EMBA McGill-HEC Montreal spotlights some of our Indigenous Alumni. They share about who they are, what their personnal statement mission is and what Indigenous History Month means to them.
Jason Annahatak
WHO ARE YOU?
I’m Jason Annahatak, an Inuk (singular of Inuit) from the Nunavik region of northern Quebec. I am originally from Kangirsuk: a small fishing village in the Ungava Bay.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I am a Business development manager at Makivik Corporation, an ethnic Inuit organization with several mandates ranging from protecting and growing Inuit heritage funds, advocating for lnuit rights, to improving housing, promoting education, and alleviating poverty.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT?
To be a positive agent in the betterment of our social & cultural community as Inuit, as well as to the economic improvement of our isolated villages
WHAT MAKES THIS STATEMENT SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I’m tied to the north by family and friends regardless of the fact that I live in Montreal. I want their/our communities to improve and thrive. What happens in our arctic communities affects me even if I’m physically living and working in the city
WHAT DOES NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH MEAN TO YOU?
It’s a chance for Canada to see and experience indigenous culture be celebrated and built up, rather than the opposite tendencies that have pervaded our history. It’s a chance for our nation to reflect on the merits and disadvantages the colonial system that our entire country is based on.
