I. PURPOSE
This Guide is to establish parameters and provide guidance for a pilot Inuktut Education
Innovation Fund (the “Fund” or “Program”) partially funded by the Federal Government
Department of Canadian Heritage. The Fund is to provide and enhance opportunities for
Inuit to advance Inuit Language and Culture education in Nunavut’s education system.
The pilot period is from August 2021 to March 2026, pending confirmation of federal
funding.
The Fund can be applied towards:
• research on innovative measures, education methods, curriculum
development and best practices in the delivery of education in Inuit Language
and Culture; and
• development of key resources, professional development opportunities and
networks that provide for a system of supports to Inuit educators.
II. GENERAL CRITERIA
The Program will award a number of contributions in keeping with the agreement that
NTI has with the Department of Canadian Heritage. NTI retains the right to revise this
Guide without notice to implement and comply with terms and conditions required by the
Department Canadian Heritage.
Applicants are asked to submit a proposal with a draft budget of expenses to support the
project to ensure that it is line with the objectives of the Fund.
NTI retains the final discretion in deciding whether a project is eligible, and the approved
amount awarded.
Inuit and/or Non-Profit Organizations may submit proposals for the Fund under the
following categories:
• Inuit Language and Culture education research,
• professional development opportunities on Inuit Language and Culture education, and
• curriculum development and resources on Inuit Language and Culture education.
Proposals submitted by an Inuk and/or Non-Profit Organizations can be for a one-year or a two-year project.
III. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS
(a) Individual Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement.
The following individual Inuit are encouraged to submit proposals, so long as they are enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement and are eighteen years of age or older;
• Inuit researchers in the education field
• Inuit educators,
• Inuit elders, and
• Inuit who are district education authority members
(b) Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations in good standing in Nunavut, including but not limited to the following, may also apply for the Fund:
• District Education Authorities (DEAs) and/or the Coalition of Nunavut DEAs
• Regional Inuit Associations
• Nunavut Teacher’s Association
• Any other Non-Profit Organization
IV. ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
NTI adheres to guidelines set out in the Indigenous Languages Component criteria. For more information, applicants and administrators can visit the Canadian Heritage Website.
a) The following expenses will be generally considered to be eligible
i) professional development course fees,
ii) books, materials, resources and related supplies,
ii) travel and accommodation, meals and incidentals,
iii) promotion, communications and publicizing costs, and
iv) meeting and associated costs (such as venue and vehicle rentals, honorariums for participants, country food and/or light refreshments, interpretation and interpretation equipment rental).
b) The following expenses will be generally considered to be ineligible:
i) capital equipment over $2,000.00,
ii) property over $2,000.00, including land, buildings and infrastructure,
iii) operating costs, except where it relates to proposal delivery, and
iv) hospitality expenses.
V. APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS
a) Administration
NTI Social and Cultural Development Department (the “Department”) is responsible for administering the Fund, and may determine the available budget prior to opening the call for proposals.
Applications for funding will be reviewed by a Program Committee consisting of NTI and/or Regional Inuit Association staff appointed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). All funding decisions shall be approved by the CEO based on recommendations of the Department.
b) Factors in Reviewing Proposals
The Program Committee may consider the following factors when deciding upon merits of each proposal:
• Research and studies to markedly improve the ability to deliver education in Inuktut in Nunavut;
• Development of education methods and materials taking into account; technology that assists Inuit educators in delivering education in Inuktut in a manner that respects and promotes Inuit culture;
• Creates opportunities for Inuit educators to support one another;
• Scope of the proposal reaching all regions and/or underrepresented area of Inuit Language and Culture;
• Previous successful delivery of proposals.
c) Contribution Agreement
Selected recipients will be required to enter into a contribution agreement with such terms and conditions as the Chief Executive Officer deems appropriate
VI. REVIEW
The Program shall be reviewed at the end of the pilot period. Nothing in this section shall prevent the CEO or the Department from reviewing the Program on a more frequent basis.
