Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk and Government of Nunavut Education Minister Paul Quassa today announced that the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation’s Board of Directors approved more than $3 million in funding proposals for 12 different training initiatives.
The purpose of the training corporation is to enhance the preparedness of Nunavut Inuit for employment, whether in the public or private sector. NTI established Makigiaqta in January 2016 with funds received from the Settlement Agreement that resolved NTI’s lawsuit against the Government of Canada for failing to fulfill its obligations in the Nunavut Agreement. Since incorporating last January, Makigiaqta established an advisory council, developed a work plan and a framework for a strategic plan, and approved the funding proposals of several initiatives that will provide Inuit with employment skills.
“By funding these important projects, Makigiaqta started a process to help Nunavut Inuit obtain the skills needed to seek and maintain employment in all areas of Nunavut’s economy. This path will lead us to healthy families, healthy communities and healthy Inuit. This is what we envisioned when we negotiated Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement,” said NTI President Kotierk.
“Makigiaqta is committed to providing successful training and skills development to ensure Nunavut Inuit reach their full potential and lead the future of our territory.
Nunavut has the youngest and fastest growing population in Canada and access to skills training is critical to our economic, cultural and social prosperity. With this partnership, we are providing exceptional opportunities to our communities and Nunavut,” said Minister Quassa.
Recipients include Qaggiavuut, Ilisaqsivik Society, Arviat Wellness Centre, Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, Ilinniapaa Campus, Arctic Children & Youth Foundation, Kivalliq Inuit Association, Pirurvik Preschool, Nunavut Sivuniksavut, Nunavut Fisheries& Marine Training, Hamlet of Taloyoak and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
The initiatives that received funds were selected because they conduct work within Makigiaqta’s priority areas, which include holistic adult learning programs, advanced adult learning programs, wrap-around supports for Inuit students in K-12 and post-secondary, early childhood development and Inuktut and Inuit culture in the workplace.
The Makigiaqta Board of Directors is pleased to announce these initial investments, and will work with partners across Nunavut to identify and make investments in additional training initiatives in the years to come.
For more information, contact:
Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
867-975-4914
1-888-646-0006
Cate Macleod
Director of Communications
Government of Nunavut
867-975-6049
