NTI Launches the Uqqujjait Innarnut – Elders Support Program
(October 22, 2020, Cambridge Bay) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) today launched the Uqqujjait Innarnut – Elders Support Program and urges eligible Inuit to apply. All eligible Nunavut Inuit Elders born on December 31, 1955 or earlier will receive a minimum monthly support of $120.
“With this program, we recognize the important role of Elders’ contributions in our communities on many fronts including Inuit language and culture. Further, we recognize the increasing high costs of living,” said NTI President Aluki Kotierk.
The Uqqujjait Innarnut-Elders Support Program is an extension of the existing Nunavut Elders Benefit Program. The Uqqujjait Innarnut-Elders Support Program adds support for a new group of Elders. The program will provide a monthly payment of $120 to Nunavut Inuit Elders born between January 1, 1949 and December 31, 1955.
Nunavut Inuit Elders who currently receive $105 or $90 per month under the Nunavut Elders Benefit Program will also receive a supplemental payment of $15 and $30 respectively from the Uqqujjait Innarnut program for a combined total of $120 per month.
Application forms will be available on NTI’s website, your local CLO and mailed out to each Elder that meets the requirements on the NTI enrollment list.
About Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)
NTI coordinates and manages Inuit responsibilities set out in the Nunavut Agreement and ensures
that the federal and territorial governments fulfill their obligations.
About Uqqujjait Innarnut-Elders Support Program
To be eligible for the Uqqujjait Innarnut – Elders Support Program:
– Inuk enrolled in the Nunavut Agreement; and
– Born between January 1st, 1949 and December 31st, 1955.
Completed applications will be reviewed by NTI. Approved applicants will receive a monthly direct
deposit or cheque on the first of each month, starting December 1, 2020.
To give every eligible Elder a chance to apply, the application period will be open for one full
year after the launch date. It is important to note that payments will not be retroactive to the
launch date but will only commence after your application has been reviewed and approved.
Monthly Payments
NTI’s investment
The source of funds for the new group of Elders, born between January 1, 1949 and December 31,
1955, is NTI’s portion of resource revenue.
The Resource Revenue Policy, approved by the NTI Board in November 2011, outlines the shared and
sustainable use of a portion of the economic benefits derived from mineral resource development in
the Nunavut Settlement Area. Resource revenue is allocated half to an operating fund and half to an
endowment fund. The operating fund is allocated annually between NTI and each of the Regional Inuit
Associations.
Uqqujjait Innarnut
Uqqujjait Innarnut was chosen because it is a word describing the act of giving to others in honor
and respect. In this case, NTI is giving more elders the opportunity to be
eligible for this extended program.
Communications contact:
Karen Flaherty
Assistant Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4900 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
@tunngavik.com
