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 programs for Inuit in line with our Strategic Plan. Makigiaqta also intends to develop annual and multi-year partnerships with selected organizations to achieve our mutual goals consistent with our Strategic Plan.
Background
Makigiaqta was established pursuant to the Settlement Agreement signed in May 2015 by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut. Makigiaqta was established to provide funding and other support for training and initiatives that will help Inuit obtain the skills and qualifications for employment.
Guiding Statements
Makigiaqta’s work will be guided by the following statements.
Mandate
To enhance the preparedness of Nunavut Inuit for employment.
Mission
To provide integrated engagement, funding, and practical support for the development and delivery of Inuit-specific learning and employment programs.
Major Outcomes
Inuit in Nunavut will gain the skills, knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to engage in learning and work that is aligned with each individual’s needs and goals, in public and private sectors.
Service providers and employers will make lasting improvements in their capability to serve the needs and interests of Inuit in Nunavut.
Vision
A vibrant Inuit workforce that contributes to strengthened Inuit wellbeing and self-determination, as envisioned in the creation of Nunavut.
Call for Project Concepts
Makigiaqta is issuing this public Call for Project Concepts to explore opportunities to invest in projects, resources and initiatives in line with its strategic priorities.
How it works
Non-profit and for-profit entities in good standing and which comply with the legal requirements to carry on business in Nunavut are eligible and encouraged to submit a Project Concept Summary to Makigiaqta, for the purpose of seeking support to undertake efforts consistent with Makigiaqta’s mandate and strategic priorities. Non-eligible entities and individuals are encouraged to work with eligible entities to submit a Project Concept Summary.
Government entities will be invited to participate as partners with Makigiaqta at a later time, in keeping with the May 2015 Settlement Agreement requirement that Makigiaqta activities complement and supplement training carried out by the GOC and the GN.
Makigiaqta will confirm receipt of all Project Concept Summaries it receives. Upon review of all submitted Project Concept Summaries for their potential to assist Makigiaqta in achieving its intended outcomes, each submitting organization will be advised whether:
• additional information is required;
• Makigiaqta is interested in working with the organization to develop a more comprehensive project proposal; or
• Makigiaqta will not be considering the Project Concept Summary further for development through this call;
Please note that submission of a Project Concept Summary does not entitle the submitting organization to financial or other support or further consideration through this or any future call. Incomplete Project Concept Summaries or those that are overly vague following initial questions from Makigiaqta may result in the Project Concept Summary not being considered further.
If a Project Concept Summary is selected for further consideration and exploration, Makigiaqta will contact the submitting organization and work with it to develop a comprehensive project proposal. Makigiaqta`s support will be available to selected proponents throughout the process.
Please be aware that selected organizations may be asked to consider potential partnerships with other organizations and/or modification or expansion of elements of the proposed Project
Concept. Makigiaqta asks that organizations remain open to such possibilities, to facilitate integrated engagement and ensure maximum positive impact of Makigiaqta’s investments.
Project Concept Guidelines
The purpose of this call is to build capacity in Nunavut to develop and deliver high quality, Inuit-specific programs in the Strategic Priority Areas described below. This includes capability development (systems improvements) and research. Project Concept Summaries that propose service delivery directly may be considered for Strategic Priority Areas 3 and 4 below.
To build capacity in any of the Strategic Priority Areas described below, Project Concept Summaries may include (but need not be limited to) the following activities:
1. Developing and delivering train-the-trainer programs and resources;
2. Providing mentorship to new trainers, such as through collaborative planning and co-facilitation of programs by more experienced trainers with new trainers;
3. Translating existing training materials into Inuktut or otherwise customizing existing programs to better serve Inuit participants;
4. Expanding or otherwise strengthening existing programs that have been successful, such as by:
o Developing, piloting, and evaluating new components;
o Researching options for expansion or improvement; or,
o Developing a business case to expand delivery to other regions or target groups;
5. Developing, piloting, and evaluating new programs or learning resources; and,
6. Researching Nunavut-specific promising practices, conducting capacity assessments, and gathering other information that would support Inuit-specific program design and planning.
Timeframe of Activities
Project Concept Summaries may include activities to take place over one fiscal year, or up to no more than three fiscal years, beginning on April 1, 2018.
Sharing of Training Resources
Recipients of Makigiaqta funding will be required to make any training resources produced available for use by the public and other organizations free of charge so that Nunavut continues to amass a range of contemporary, Inuit-specific training resources and information about promising practices. The intention is that in future years these resources will support expanded delivery of high quality, Inuit-specific programming across Nunavut.
Project Concept Summaries must articulate proposed initiatives and resources, and make specific links describing how projects will achieve the intended outcomes and how they relate to one or more of Makigiaqta’s four Strategic Priority Areas. Priority will be given to initiatives that are Inuit-led and, in addition to fulfilling Makigiaqta’s employment and training objectives, support and enhance Inuit language and culture in Nunavut.
Submission Deadline The deadline for submission of Project Concept Summaries to Makigiaqta is November 3, 2017 7:00PM EST but can be submitted any time before this date.
Makigiaqta reserves the right to reject any Project Concept Summary in its discretion for any reason.
For More Information
Please contact:
Adeline Salomonie, Director of Inuit Employment and Training OR Tina DeCouto, Inuit Employment and Training Advisor
Makigiaqta`s Strategic Priority Areas
Makigiaqta has developed the following Strategic Priority Areas for investment, based on current gaps, needs and opportunities:
1. Early Learning Systems Target Participants: Inuit parents and other caregivers of young children and practitioners and community groups involved in supporting Inuit early childhood development (ECD).
Overview: Initiatives that contribute to strengthened administrative systems, capability, and program content to support early learning, including Inuktut acquisition. Makigiaqta’s spending will be focused on supporting system improvements, strengthening momentum and coordination among key stakeholders, and supporting research and innovation in Inuit-specific early learning practices, such as through curriculum and resource development, pilot projects, and other research, and knowledge sharing events.
Intended Outcomes: Initiatives in this priority area should be designed to contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:
A. Strengthened capability to support Inuit early learning, including Inuktut acquisition in the early years, among service providers, communities, and families;
B. Strengthened collective vision and understanding of effective ELCC practices for Inuit children, families, and communities; and,
C. Improved practical and financial support for community-based organizations delivering early learning programs (including streamlined, stabilized, and increased funding and centralized administration).
2. Wrap-around Supports for Success in K-12
Target Participants: Inuit students, children, youth, as well as their families, parents and other caregivers involved in providing supports that contribute to overall development and learning, school attendance, and strong skills, knowledge, and values rooted in Inuit culture.
Overview: Initiatives that help strengthen wrap-around supports for success in K-12. Such supports could include intergenerational learning that engage children and their caregivers together; programs that engage parents/caregivers in schools; land-based, sewing, and other cultural programs linked with school attendance, complementary learning programs based in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit learning traditions; and other programs intended to support the learning and preparedness for educational success and employment of Inuit children and youth.
Intended Outcomes: Initiatives in this priority area should be designed to contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:
A. Strengthened capability to support success of Inuit students in K-12 among service providers, community groups, and families;
B. Strengthened collective understanding of effective extracurricular support programs for school-aged Inuit children and youth (including “early leavers”); and,
C. Strengthened planning and coordination in the delivery of wrap-around supports, by local organizations and schools.
3. Foundational Skills Development Opportunities for Adults
Target Participants: Nunavut Inuit adults (and/or older youth) who are out of school and out of work or underemployed.
Overview: Non-formal, community-based learning programs that teach foundational skills rooted in Inuit culture. Such programs should contribute to overall wellbeing, enable Inuit adults to engage in meaningful community-based and land-based work, and potentially serve as gateways to more learning programs. Programs that also provide holistic, integrated supports to address the multiple barriers many adult learners face to enable them to easily transitions between learning and work opportunities.
Intended Outcomes: Initiatives in this priority area should be designed to contribute to one or all of the following outcomes:
A. Support Nunavut Arctic College to enhance and expand adult basic education opportunities in all communities;
B. Strengthen collective understanding of effective adult learning programs for Nunavut Inuit;
C. Strengthen capability of community groups to plan and deliver non-formal adult learning programs, including intergenerational learning programs;
D. Increase access to formal adult learning programs (classroom-based, workplace based, and programs that combine learning and work);
E. Increased access to non-formal, community-based adult learning programs, including a range of programs rooted in Inuit culture;
F. Increase access to all levels of Inuktut learning programs for Inuit, including diverse workplace-based, classroom-based, and community-based programs.
4. Advanced Training and Post-Secondary Linked with Employment
Target Participants: Nunavut Inuit youth and adults who want to access an advanced learning program and employment specifically related to the program.
Overview: Learning programs that are customized to fit the strengths, interests, and life circumstances of specific Inuit audiences. Such programs should be designed to mitigate barriers to Inuit participation in conventional accredited learning programs, such as language, mobility, cost, lack of program flexibility to suit adults already employed or otherwise engaged in important activities in their family or community, lack of wrap-around supports, and the need for culturally relevant and trauma-informed (?) learning environments. Proposed programs should be linked with specific employment opportunities in Nunavut upon completion.
Intended Outcomes: Programs in this priority area should be designed to contribute to all of the following outcomes:
A. Increased access by Inuit to job and sector specific advanced training programs, including on the job, mentorship, and classroom-based programs, directly linked with opportunities for employment or advancement;
B. Increased overall access by and support to Inuit in post-secondary programs, directly linked with opportunities for employment or advancement;
C. Strengthened student funding programs; and,
D. Enhanced holistic wrap-around supports for Inuit students in post-secondary and advanced training programs and increased access to such supports.
