Broughton Island (Apr 18/05) - The Nattivak Hunters and Trappers new fishing company, Masiliit, have partnered with the Torngat Fish Producers of Makkovik, Labrador, to fish Torngat's 160 tonne turbot quota this year.

In addition, Masiliit will harvest 160 tonnes of Nattivak's 330 tonne turbot allocation at Makkovik, Koalie Kooneeliusie of Nattivak said.

About 20 people from Qikiqtarjuaq will benefit from jobs stemming from this fishing partnership with Labrador.

"We are very pleased," said Samuel Nuqingaq of Nattivak last week. "They were looking for a partnership up here," said Nuqingaq speaking of Torngat. "They found us."

Masiliit will fish Torngat's 160 tonne quota with their new boat, Genny and Doug.

The catch will be delivered directly to the Makkovik fish plant, creating jobs for the community.

This partnership appealed to Masiliit because Torngat has five fish plants in Labrador and the OB area being fished is close.

They start fishing next week.

Torngat Fish Producers is an Inuit co-operative with commercial fish processing facilities in Makkovik, Nain, Hopedale, Postville and Rigolet.

Eventually, Masiliit wants its own fish plant.

They are doing a feasibility study on that right now.

"We want to succeed," said Nuqingaq. "And we want to see BFC succeed as well," he added, speaking of the Baffin Fisheries Coalition that the Nattivak HTA broke away from to start Masiliit. "We're not against them at all."

"It's been a tough battle for over a year. It's finally paying off. Knowing it's going to start, it's like a dream."