NTI BOARD APPROVES FUNDING INCREASE TO INUIT ELDERS SUPPORT PROGRAM
(January 25, 2024 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) This week, the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) Board of Directors approved enhancements to the Uqqujjait Innarnut Elders Support Program.
Enhancements approved by the board include providing $175 to every eligible Elder, moving away from the tiered system that had been in place since the program’s inception in 1999. This represents an increase for all cohorts of Elders who receive payments from the program. Currently, Elders born in 1944 or earlier received monthly support of $150, Elders born in 1945 received $135, and Elders born between 1946 and 1955 received monthly payments of $120. The NTI Board of Directors also extended the program eligibility for Elders born from January 1, 1956 to December 31, 1958. Both changes take effect April 1, 2024.
“Nunavut Inuit have great respect for Elders as central figures in our community, as language and knowledge holders, and very often as caregivers for other members of their families,” said NTI President Aluki Kotierk. “With the increasing cost of living, especially the escalating cost for food, it is important that we provide as much assistance as we can. I am pleased that NTI is now able to provide greater support for this cherished segment of our society.”
Elders who are already receiving monthly payments do not need to reapply to the program. The increase to their monthly payments will be applied automatically effective April 1, 2024. Information on and applications for the Uqqujjait Innarnut Elders Support Program are available on the NTI website at Tunngavik.com or at the Community Liaison Office in every Nunavut Community.
The Nunavut Trust provides funding for benefit payments to 560 Elders born on December 31, 1948 and earlier. Funding for the 1,137 Elders born January 1, 1949 to December 31, 1958 is provided by NTI from NTI’s share of mineral resource revenues.
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Contact:
Ivaluarjuk Merritt
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4941
Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
