Government of Canada supports capacity development in Nunavut

CanNor-11-028

Iqaluit, Nunavut (March 22, 2012) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health today announced funding for two projects that will provide training and help increase capacity for heritage and cultural tourism and for Inuit business development in Nunavut.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support projects that help provide business expertise and advice to Nunavut communities and Inuit businesses,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Training that supports cultural and tourism-related activities will lead to greater employment opportunities and increased economic benefits for all Nunavummiut.”

“Inuit Heritage Trust’s (IHT) programming reflects our dedication to fostering the development of Nunavut heritage leaders,” said IHT President, Luke Suluk. “The result is pride in being stewards of our own heritage and the ones to tell our own stories. The Nunavut Heritage Training Plan is an integral part of preserving, enriching and protecting Nunavut’s cultural heritage and identity. Thanks to support from various funders, Nunavut’s history is being better cared for, documented, presented and shared.”

“Like most organizations, Kakivak Association has to deal with the high cost of doing business in the North and the many challenges of serving isolated communities,” said Larry Audlaluk, Chair of the Kakivak Association. “This Community Support Services Program funding is helping our organization get the tools to deliver our business support and employment training programs more efficiently and effectively.”

The Inuit Heritage Trust, which is also funded in part through Canadian Heritage and the Government of Nunavut, will use the 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. This project will equip them with skills and knowledge to pass on to other Nunavummiut ensuring continued growth and capacity in cultural and tourism industries.

The funding will help the Kakivak Association provide business analysis training to staff, information to board members and develop communications and promotion plans. It will also enable the association to upgrade its computer systems to increase its ability to provide high-quality program delivery to its clients in the Qikiqtani region.

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. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada’s economic development across the North, and for related policy development and research.

The Department of Canadian Heritage has provided funding to the Inuit Heritage Trust through the Museums Assistance Program  . This 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.

Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan   and Canada's Northern Strategy  .

• Backgrounder - Government of Canada supports capacity development in Nunavut

For further information, please contact:

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Cailin Rodgers
Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and

Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (Nunavut Office)
Kathleen McLeod
Communications Manager
867-975-3751

Inuit Heritage Trust
Sarah Brown
Project Manager
867-979-0731

Kakivak Association
867-979-0911

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