(Baker Lake, Nunavut – August 27, 2026) – As the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) Board of Directors gathered in Baker Lake this week, discussions focused on issues that matter most to Inuit families, including school food programs, child welfare, Inuktut education, and Inuit representation in public institutions.
A key decision of the meeting was the allocation of $4.14 million in federal National School Food Program funding for the 2026-27 school year. Delivered through the Coalition of Nunavut District Education Authorities (CNDEA) and allocated based on student enrolment, the funding will help schools continue providing nutritious meals and snacks to students across Nunavut. The investment comes as demand for school food programs continues to grow, helping improve food security, student well-being, and educational outcomes.
“As Inuit, we believe in caring for one another, especially our children. School food programs do more than provide meals, they give students the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive. We are pleased to support the continued investment in the School Food Funding, at a time when families and communities need it most.” – Gloria Uluqsi, President, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
The Board also discussed the challenges facing Inuit children and families and opportunities to strengthen Inuit self-determination over child and family services in Nunavut and across Canada. Directors heard about the lasting impacts of family separation, disruptions to cultural and community connections, and the need for stronger Inuit involvement in decisions affecting Inuit children. Following the discussion, the Board directed NTI to continue exploring ways to strengthen support, advocacy, and oversight for Inuit children and families.
This work includes examining opportunities under Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, including the potential for NTI to register as an Indigenous governing body. Such a step could improve information sharing, centralize notifications, and support more coordinated advocacy for Inuit children and families. NTI has also established a dedicated justice and child welfare position to advance this work.
“We have a duty to protect our most vulnerable, our children. As a child, it is traumatizing to be taken from your community and sent south. Having access to accurate data, including where children are placed, helps us understand who is protecting them and identify ways to improve outcomes for children involved in the child welfare system, both in Nunavut and in urban centres. Continuing this work for our children is not simply something we want to do, it is something we must do.” – Paul Irngaut, Vice-President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
The Board also made several governance appointments. Directors approved the nomination of Elizabeth Copland to serve a three-year term on the Nunavut Water Board following a call for expressions of interest from Nunavut Inuit and a review of candidate qualifications. A similar call for expressions of interest and review process, the Board nominated Petula Panigoniak-Anautak, to serve a three-year term on the Nunavut Impact Review Board. In addition, the Board appointed Victor Tootoo as Election Commissioner for the 2026 NTI Vice-Presidential Election. In this role, he will oversee the administration of the election and help ensure the process remains fair, transparent, and accountable.
Directors also received an update on the development of future Inuktut Academic School(s). The Board noted that a process is required to determine school locations in order to support the development of more accurate regional costing models. Location decisions will be informed by several factors, including the local capacity of Inuktut-speaking teachers, community language status, available infrastructure, and community interest and leadership. To advance this work, the Board directed NTI to establish a committee consisting of one Inuk representative from each region. The committee will work with the Regional Inuit Associations to help define the selection criteria and guide the process toward deciding on future school locations.
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Media Contact
Annie Thomlinson
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
