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Nunavut Inuit President at the UN: Canada should support Inuktut majority in Nunavut

(April 20, 2018 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)  In a historic first address to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues this week, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s president, Ms. Aluki Kotierk focused on the need to ensure equitable public services that other Canadian’s enjoy, for unilingual Inuktut speakers in Nunavut. With the creation of public government of Nunavut in 1999, Canada has a majority public language jurisdiction that is not English or …

NTI Regrets the Passing of Louie Kamookak of Gjoa Haven

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Vice President, James Eetoolook, deeply regrets the passing of Louie Kamookak of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.
“Louie was a well-loved and deeply respected hunter and historian with a life-long commitment to promoting and preserving Inuit culture and history.  Louie enlightened others by revealing, from an Inuit perspective, the history of interactions between Inuit and the explorers.” said Eetoolook.
Louie was an avid participant and strong supporter of the searches …

NTI Applauds Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s commitment to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2030

(March 23, 2018 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk, on the eve of World TB Day, noted Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s (ITK) announcement and commitment to eliminate tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, aiming for a 50% reduction of active TB by 2025.
“NTI applauds the commitment to tackle such a complex and multi-faceted issue to eradicate tuberculosis among Inuit. NTI will work with ITK to achieve this …

President Kotierk reacts to tabling of GN mandate ‘Turaaqtavut’

(March 20, 2018 – Kugluktuk, Nunavut)       Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President, Aluki Kotierk today reacted to the tabling of the Government of Nunavut mandate ‘Turaaqtavut’ tabled by the 2nd sitting of the 5th Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
 
“Focus and investments in mental health, Inuktut as a working language, and Inuit employment and training are paramount to achieving social, cultural and economic well-being of Inuit.   As we embark on the 25th anniversary …

Re-Advertisement: Inuit Employment and Training Coordinator

Reporting to the Director of Inuit Employment and Training, the Coordinator will provide administrative support to the division and the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation (MITC). The Coordinator will be responsible for invoice payments, contract entries, and working with various organizations to ensuring proposals, mid-term reports and financial reports are complete. This also includes coordinating travel warrants for staff and members of the advisory council and booking meeting venues and logistics …

The Government of Canada, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Nunavut renew commitment to work together for a better future in Nunavut

January 31, 2018 Ottawa, ONTARIO Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, in the spirit of reconciliation and building on the renewed Inuit-Crown relationship, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Aluki Kotierk, President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) and the Honourable Paul Quassa, Premier of Nunavut, reiterated their commitment to working …

Makigiaqta News Release

(January 29, 2018 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) The Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation’s Board of Directors met in Iqaluit last week to discuss and review projects from the open call for project concepts that was released in October 2017. This was the first open call since its inception in May 2015.
 
Due to the overwhelming interest from the open call, Makigiaqta has deferred the project review process until the summer.  This is to …

NTI Announces 2017 Photo of the Year Contest Winners

(January 12, 2018 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Aluki Kotierk today congratulated the 2017 Photo of the Year Contest winners.
Pudloo Pitsiulak of Kimmirut was awarded $1,000 in prize money for his photograph called Calming Morning. Pistiulak also received an enlarged copy of his photograph, and the honour of having his photograph appear as the cover of NTI’s annual report and ad template artwork.
Rankin Inlet’s David Kakuktinniq …

NTI Announces a New Scholarship Program for Inuit Students

(January 5, 2018 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk is pleased to announce that a new scholarship program has begun, effective today January 4, 2018, through the recently established Nunavut Tunngavik Foundation (NTF).
 
NTF has received the remainder of the Common Experience Payment Designated Amount Funds after all payments were made to eligible former residential school pursuant to the Residential School Settlement Agreement.
 
Up to 200 Inuit will be …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. CONTRIBUTION POLICY

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Contribution Program, based on NTI’s Contribution Policy, is to provide financial support and assistance to organizations and Inuit engaged in activities that promote the development of Nunavut Inuit economic, social and cultural well-being. A copy of NTI’s
Contribution Policy can be found on NTI’s website (www.tunngavik.com).
ELIGIBILITY AND PROGRAM CRITERIA
Eligible applicants are any organizations or Inuit that engage in the following types of activities for the benefit of …

Calling for Health Career Mentors for Inuit Youth!

Attached is a poster and application form about an exciting opportunity for adults in Nunavut who would like to provide encouragement and support for Inuit youth who are considering pursuing health careers.
 
A health careers camp is taking place in Iqaluit in February, for Inuit youth from all regions.  This is a pilot project that may become an annual event.  We are seeking adults involved with youth or in health programs …

NTI Congratulates Premier Quassa and Newly Elected Cabinet Ministers

(November 22, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)  Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk congratulated the Honorable Paul Quassa on his election as Premier, and on the selection of Cabinet Ministers.
“NTI looks forward to working in partnership and unity with the new government.  I am optimistic that this new government will specifically focus on Articles 23 and 32 and more generally on the full implementation of the Nunavut Agreement.  I am …

NTI Congratulates Elected Members of the Legislative Assembly

(October 31, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)             Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today congratulated the newly elected members of the Legislative Assembly.
 
“On behalf of the NTI Board of Directors, I offer sincere congratulations to all that were chosen to represent Nunavummiut in this year’s territorial election.”
 
“This is an exciting time for Inuit, and I look forward to working with the new government to ensure that Inuit voices are made …

NTI AGM Concludes in Cambridge Bay

(October 26, 2017 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut)    Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk announced today that NTI has successfully concluded its 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cambridge Bay.
 
“The Members had discussions on many important issues such as the need to increase Inuit employment and promote the Inuktut language. NTI also pledged substantial funding for several infrastructure projects,” said President Kotierk. “I am confident that the decisions made during …

Trichinella in Walrus

USE THROUGH:  October 2017 – December 2017
You can support building the capacity to test for Trichinella in walrus by participating in the Nunavut Trichinella Pilot Detection Program.
By providing the whole walrus tongue to the pilot detection program after harvesting, you are creating the capacity to test for Trichinella in Nunavut.
Your participation is important; it will help inform the development of a longer term solution for Nunavut based testing.  Bringing testing …

Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation Call for Project Concepts 2017-18

Overview
The Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation’s main objective is to pursue specific intended outcomes in four strategic priority areas in order to enhance the preparedness of Nunavut Inuit for employment. Makigiaqta’s Strategic Priority Areas are identified in its Strategic Plan and are described in more detail below.
In pursuing these outcomes for Inuit, Makigiaqta is investing in the capacity of Nunavut-based organizations which demonstrate strong potential for success in the delivery of …

2017 Arctic Inspiration Prize Nominations

Nominations are open for the new 2017 Arctic Inspiration Prize. Introducing 3 prize categories and up to $3 million in prize money. Find an Ambassador to nominate your team. Go to http://www.arcticinspirationprize.ca

For More information Please Contact :
Adeline Salomonie,

Director, Inuit Employment and Training Division
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel:(867) 975-4905
Toll-free:1-888-646-0006

Makigiaqta Release Long-Term Strategic Plan

(September 18th, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) The Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation’s Board of Directors met in Iqaluit and approved the long-term strategic plan. Makigiaqta’s strategic plan has four  priority areas, including early learning systems, wrap around support for success in education, foundational skills development opportunities for adults, and advanced training and post-secondary opportunities for employment in key sectors.
“The development and adoption of Makigiaqta’s long-term strategy is a …

NTI Report Confirms Enormous Economic Costs from Lack of Inuit in Government Work Forces in Nunavut

(September 12, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) NTI President Aluki Kotierk today released a report that confirms enormous economic implications from the shortage of Inuit in federal and territorial government work forces in Nunavut.
The report estimates lost wages to Nunavut Inuit in government work forces to be $1.284 billion from 2017-2023.   The report also estimates unnecessary costs to governments over the same period to be $519 million.
In today’s terms, Inuit representative …

Community Mobilization: TB in Nunavut

Community Mobilization: TB in Nunavut
With special guest: Mr. Stephen Lewis, C.C.
Co-founder of AIDS-Free World.  Formerly Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations  and Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF.  Mr. Lewis is interested in understanding the issues that impact TB in Nunavut.
Bring your ulu’s. All are welcome!
 

NTI Announces 2017 Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship

(August 24, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Aluki Kotierk today announced the recipients of the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak (JAK) Scholarship for 2017.  Pauline Copland of Arviat and Karla Malaiya Evaloakjuk of Pond Inlet will each receive $5,000 towards their studies.  Copland is taking her Masters of Education at the University of Regina and Evaloakjuk is in her third year of the Nunavut Teachers Education Program (NTEP).  Both …

NTI welcomes Supreme Court of Canada decision on seismic testing

(July 26, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)              Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada confirming the right of Inuit to be meaningfully consulted when Inuit rights under the Nunavut Agreement are potentially impacted, and offers her congratulations to the Community of Clyde River for successfully challenging the 2014 National Energy Board decision that would have allowed seismic testing in Baffin Bay …

NTI Launches Tunngavik iPAD Application

(July 9, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today launched a free iPAD application called Tunngavik. The app was launched on Nunavut Day to illustrate NTI’s commitment to enhancing the understanding and relevance of the Nunavut Agreement.
“This app is a modern tool for Inuit to use to learn and explore our rights in the Nunavut Agreement. It is meant to play a part in re-instilling …

NTI Welcomes Their Royal Highnesses to Nunavut

 Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk yesterday welcomed Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to Nunavut and expressed her appreciation for the Prince’s interest and support for Inuktut language and Inuit culture.
“It’s heartening to hear His Royal Highness speak words in Inuktut. Recently, his charitable trust in Canada made efforts to help revitalize Inuktut which I warmly welcome,” said Kotierk.
Only two jurisdictions in …

Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation

June 29, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut The Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation’s Board of Directors met in Iqaluit today and approved nearly $1.5 million in funding for four Inuit-specific training initiatives. The Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the Pirurvik Centre, Ilitaqsiniq – Nunavut Literacy Council and Tumikuluit Saipaaqivik were each awarded funds for proposals that will contribute to Makigiaqta’s objective of enhancing the preparedness of Nunavut Inuit for government and other employment.
 
The board also approved its annual work plan, which includes creating a full-time staff …

Three Nunavut Inuit Receive Governor General Citations

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today congratulated three Nunavut Inuit for receiving Governor General’s citations. Filmmaker and activist Alethea Arnaquq-Baril was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross; traditional Inuit tattoo artist Hovak Johnston was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal; and NHL hockey player Jordin Tootoo received the Meritorious Service Medal. All three Inuit were recognized because of their significant contributions to Indigenous leadership.
“The recognition bestowed on Alethea, Hovak …

Advanced Diploma graduates!


Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Aluki Kotierk posed with 13 NTI staff who graduated from the Advanced Management Diploma Program offered in conjunction with the Sobey School of Business and Saint Mary’s University. The customized educational program  was very important for many reasons. All 10 modules were based entirely on Inuit Qaujiamajatuqangit, and were designed to assist NTI staff in our shared goal of implementing the Nunavut Agreement.
Back row, from …

Inuit Survivors Asked to Register for National Inquiry

(June 12, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)     Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today said that Inuit who wish to provide testimony to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls need to register with the secretariat conducting the inquiry.
 
or to call toll-free line at 1-844-348-4119. Inuit will be asked to provide their names, contact information and location. The secretariat is also asking Inuit to provide …

The NTI Board of Directors is pleased to congratulate Arviat’s Ruth Kaviok

The NTI Board of Directors is pleased to congratulate Arviat’s Ruth Kaviok upon her election as president of the National Inuit Youth Council. This is a prestigious and important role that Ruth will embrace with integrity and commitment. It gives the board such hope to see young Inuit taking on such courageous leadership roles.
President Aluki Kotierk
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
 
 

On behalf of the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Board of Directors

On behalf of the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Board of Directors, I offer our congratulations to Inuvialuit Regional Corporation President and CEO Duane Smith on the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. To all our friends and families celebrating this momentous day, I wish you continued success as you implement your land claim. Alianait! Happy Inuvialuit Day!
 
 

Tunngavikkunni Iqqanaijaqtiit

Each month, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will profile staff members and the work we do to implement the Nunavut Agreement.
 For the month of June, we’re profiling NTI’s Inuktitut interpreter/translators who work in the Communications Division. Veronica Dewar (left), Rebecca Mike (centre) and Elisapee Ikkidluak (right) translate all of NTI’s written materials, which include annual reports, meeting documents, policies, magazines, advertisements, news releases and outgoing mail. They also interpret during dozens of …

NTI Announces Interpreter Translator Student Awards Recipients

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today announced the Interpreter Translator Student Awards for first and second year students enrolled in Nunavut Arctic College’s Interpreter Translator Program.
The award is based on academic merit and provides one first year student and one second year student each with $1,000. The successful recipients are chosen by program instructors.
This year’s recipients are Erin-Dawn Pameolik (first year), and Toby Utak (second year). Both students …

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will celebrate National Seal Products Day

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will celebrate National Seal Products Day with Canadians across the country on May 20, 2017. NTI thanks the Government of Canada for recognizing the importance of the seal harvest to Inuit and all Canadians. This is an important day. To show our respect for seals, Inuit harvesters and designers, NTI will give away a gift package of sealskin items created by talented designer Victoria Kakutinniq of Victoria’s …

NTI President Offers Condolences to Tukturjuk Family

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today offered condolences to the family of Naujaat resident David Tukturjuk, who passed away over the weekend.
As far back as the 1980s, Tukturjuk served as a board member on the Keewatin Inuit Association. He also served Inuit by participating in the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut, the organization that preceded NTI and negotiated the Nunavut Agreement on behalf of Inuit. Tukturjuk went on …

NTI Welcomes Report of Arctic Special Representative

(May 5, 2017 –Iqaluit, Nunavut)            Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Acting President James Eetoolook today welcomed this week’s report prepared by Mary Simon, Indigenous and Northern Affairs’ (INAC) Ministerial Special Representative on Arctic issues. Entitled A New Shared Arctic Leadership Model, the report contains observations and recommendations based on Simon’s extensive meetings with Arctic governments, representative organizations, communities, and individuals.
 
“NTI appreciates Mary Simon’s hard work, and commends INAC Minister Carolyn …

NTI Celebrates Standing Committee Rejection of Bill 37 and Proposes a Way Forward

(May 5, 2017 –Iqaluit, Nunavut Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today welcomed the Standing Committee on Legislation’s recommendation that Bill 37 be withdrawn.
 
“NTI appreciates that the Standing Committee has asked that Bill 37 not proceed further in the legislative process. I am relieved they recognize that the issue of Inuktut language loss is urgent. I hope the Nunavut cabinet agrees with the Standing Committee recommendation so we can …

Two Years After Court Settlement, Work Remains

(May 4, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)     Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Acting President James Eetoolook today noted that much work remains to be done to fulfil the obligations set out in the Settlement Agreement that was signed two years ago by NTI, the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut (GN). The agreement ended NTI’s lawsuit against the Government of Canada for an accumulation of broken implementation promises.
 
“Signing the Settlement …

NTI and QIA Presidents Attend Launch of Bank Note

NTI and QIA Presidents Attend Launch of Bank Note
 (April 7, 2017 –Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk and Qikiqtani Inuit President (QIA) PJ Akeeagok today attended the unveiling of a special commemorative $10 bill that features the artwork of the late Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak. Kotierk and Akeeagok attended the event alongside members of Ashevak’s family members and other Nunavut Inuit and Canadian dignitaries.
The presidents expressed …

NTI Board of Directors Rejects Bill

The Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Board of Directors voted unanimously to call on the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut to reject Bill 37, the proposed legislation that contains amendments to the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) Education Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act. The NTI Board of Directors passed the resolution during their meeting in Arviat recently. NTI President Aluki Kotierk said the board was extremely concerned that the proposed amendments …

Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship Application Period Opens

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk announced today that the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship 2017 application period is now open.
NTI will award two Inuit students each with a $5,000 scholarship to pursue studies at accredited post-secondary institutions in the areas of Inuit language and education. Students studying in other areas are eligible if they demonstrate a link between their field of study and the pursuit and promotion of Inuit …

Nunavut Harvesters Support Program Relaunched

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Vice-President James Eetoolook announced today that the Nunavut Harvesters Support Program (NHSP) would be relaunched April 1, 2017.
The purpose of NHSP is to preserve and advance Nunavut Inuit harvesting culture, heritage and traditional ways of life. The new programs include the Community Hunt Program and the Harvesting Equipment Program, which is made up of the small harvesting equipment program, the safety equipment program and the disaster …

NTI Welcomes Some Parts of Federal Budget, Promotes Further Action

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk expressed modest optimism at portions of new funding promised in the federal budget released this week. Budget 2017 commits $240 million over 11 years for Nunavut housing. The budget proposes to invest $828.2 million over five years to improve health outcomes for First Nations and Inuit, and $89.9 million over the next three years to support Indigenous languages and cultures.
“These pots of money …

What is the Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership?

What is the Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership?
The Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership was signed by the Prime Minister, the ITK president, and the leaders of the four Inuit land claims organizations in Iqaluit on February 9, 2017. The Declaration is a commitment made by the federal government and Inuit leadership to work in partnership on shared priorities through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee. It is a non- binding …

Proposed GN Amendments to Education and Language Laws Won’t Solve Education Crisis

(March 9, 2017 – Iqaluit, Nunavut)Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk said today that the newly-tabled Education Act and Inuit Language Protection Act amendments will not solve the current crisis in the education system.
“The proposed amendments are window-dressing at best and reduce the right to Inuktut language of instruction. The proposed changes appear to offer district education authorities (DEAs) a choice of instituting Inuktut language of instruction in schools, …

March 8th is International Women’s Day! This is an opportunity to celebrate the prominent Inuit women in our lives!

Download (PDF, 82KB)

When I was a university student, I read as many articles and books about Inuit. I was often struck by the portrayal of Inuit women being subservient to men. Later, when I was visiting my Ningiuq I asked her about the role of Inuit women and men. I wanted to know whether Inuit women were less important than men. As was her nature, she smiled and …

NTI President to Chair Social and Cultural Development Committee

          Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk today announced that she was assuming the role of chairperson of NTI’s Inuit Social and Cultural Development Advisory Committee, effective immediately.
During her campaign for NTI president last year, Kotierk expressed her interest in and commitment to Inuit social and cultural issues, and is keen to work in these priority areas.
“I hope to make a positive impact in the social and cultural well-being …