Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (July 02/01) - Paul Quassa resigned as president of Nunavut Tunngavik last week.

He cited family concerns and a lack of support at the board level as the reasons behind his resignation.

Paul Quassa

Since his suspension last October for spending irregularities, Quassa said it seemed as if some of his colleagues were unable to regain the trust or respect they once held for him. He said that made it difficult to lead the land claims organization.

"There has to be trust of any leader in order for that leader to be effective in what they are supposed to carry out," said Quassa.

His resignation takes effect July 31. First vice-president James Eetoolook will assume the role of acting president until a byelection scheduled for December.

Quassa said the decision was bittersweet.

"It is both a relief because the (decision) was now made, but sadness because I think of all the beneficiaries who have constantly supported me and voted for me," said Quassa. "I know they will feel bad about it and I truly am sorry."

Quassa said he had been considering leaving the presidency for some time and that his family helped make the final decision. He said he was not asked to resign by the board of directors, but acknowledged that recent accusations led his colleagues to conduct an investigation into his affairs.

Quassa would not say what the nature of those accusations was, however. "From what I know, there are accusations, but the fact is there was nothing," said Quassa. "Any little thing I do ... they have the right to do that. The board stated very clearly there was (nothing wrong)."

Eetoolook would not comment on the accusations and would neither confirm nor deny if a special board meeting held June 22 was called specifically because of issues relating to Quassa.

"That was a closed-door meeting. I'm not going to give you any details," said Eetoolook.

He cleared Quassa of any financial wrongdoing and said all members of the NTI executive were reviewed, in accordance with a resolution passed at the last annual general meeting, noting that Quassa's review was simply part of the larger analysis.

"We didn't find any violation of policies. We were not suspecting anybody of misuse of funds," he said.

Eetoolook said he trusted Quassa and was "kind of surprised" that he tendered his resignation. He added that he would miss Quassa's presence at the organization.

According to NTI's em-ployee manual, staff members are entitled to a severance package. Eetoolook said the board would look into the amount of Quassa's package at their next board meeting. He did not know when that meeting would be held.

Quassa said his future plans include spending time with his family and that when he returns to the workforce, it would not be for a political organization. He said he wanted to pursue a more traditional lifestyle and was considering moving to a small community.

"I've seen enough of people hating each other and talking about each other. I don't want to be part of that," said Quassa.

"I want my children to grow up and have respect for me. If they keep hearing negative things from all over, how can I be a father who is well respected?"

This is the third time Quassa, a central figure in the negotiation and implementation of Nunavut's land claim since the 1970s, has resigned from the NTI presidency.

He stepped down in 1992, facing a sexual assault charge, and again in 1993, when charged with child abandonment and resisting arrest. He was convicted each time.