Backgrounder - Government of Canada supports capacity development in Nunavut

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing over $100,000 in two projects that will increase economic benefits for Inuit living in Nunavut by providing training and greater employment opportunities in traditional and non-traditional sectors of the economy.

Inuit Heritage Trust (IHI)
CanNor: $38,658 over 2 years
Government of Nunavut: $40,000 over 2 years
Canada Heritage: $80,000 over 2 years (investment in first part of project)

The Inuit Heritage Trust will use funding to deliver the Nunavut Heritage Training Plan, a two part project that involves building the capacity of Nunavut heritage workers to become trainers in their own communities. Additional mentoring and ‘train the trainer’ sessions will be delivered to arts, tourism, and heritage workers in heritage/visitor centre management and interpretation. This investment will equip trainers across the territory with the skills and the knowledge to pass on to other Nunavummiut in their home communities ensuring the continued growth and capacity in the cultural and tourism industries.

A second portion of this investment will go toward a specific mentoring and training program for trainers in Gjoa Haven, where planning for a new heritage center is well under way. The Inuit Heritage Trust receives its mandate from the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. It is dedicated to the preservation, enrichment and protection of Inuit cultural heritage and identity embodied in Nunavut's archaeology sites, ethnographic resources, and traditional place names.

Kakivak Association
CanNor: $63,000

The Kakivak Association will use CanNor funding for four development initiatives aimed at increasing its ability to provide a high standard of program delivery to its clients in the Qikiqtani region, as follows:

• Business analysis training to equip staff to receive applications and business plans for new start-ups or existing business expansion.
• Communication and promotions plan development to expand partnerships and local community contacts.
• Information for board members about all of Kakivak Association’s program policies and guidelines for use when reviewing projects.
• Computer systems upgrade to improve reporting and data tracking abilities.

The Kakivak Association is a community and economic development organization which serves Inuit by providing advisory services to new or expanding community businesses and providing job-related training and employment programs in the Qikiqtani region.

Federal Programs

These investments are made possible through two Aboriginal Economic Development programs delivered by CanNor. The Community Economic Opportunities Program provides project-based support to First Nation and Inuit communities for community economic development and the Community Support Services Program supports First Nation and Inuit community economic development organizations to increase their organizational and operational capacity.

The Department of Canadian Heritage has provided funding to the Inuit Heritage Trust through the Museums Assistance Program   to provide museum training to heritage workers in Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit. Funded initiatives include a 10-day Heritage Training Institute, revised course material, and a “train the trainer” session. The Museums Assistance Program   provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.