Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 30/98) - One of Nunavut's government-funded business development organizations is growing through some changes as the countdown to the new territory heats up.

Board members of Kivalliq Partners in Development say several staff have left the organization in recent weeks because of a change in direction for the business development arm of Sakku Investments.

"We recently had a meeting and we, basically, decided we needed to update our board system," said Johnny Ningeongan.

"The changes are being made in hopes of benefitting the people in the region... to ensure that we are representing the region."

So, the board is conducting an evaluation of the organization to see how much change is needed from its perspective.

Board member Graeme Dargo, who helped start Partners in 1995 to help businesses in the Keewatin, said he didn't know about the changes in staff and was visibly upset talking about the situation.

"It's just a mess," he said.

He was unable to be reached for further comment.

Former managing director Richard Connelly, who left the organization a couple of weeks ago, denies that he quit because he disagreed with the new direction of board members.

He also wouldn't comment in depth about the reason why economic development officer Sheldon Pollichuk left Partners.

"Sheldon and I leaving are related and they're not," he said.

Connelly maintains the organization is going through some necessary changes, but predicts they all won't go smoothly.

"It's going through some pains, but it's good pains -- it's growing pains," he said.

Kivalliq Partners board members include chair Joe Kaludjak, Graeme Dargo, Johnny Ningeongan, Annie Tattuinee, Steve Mapsalak, Kono Tattuinee, Yvo Airut and Ron Roach.