Kuujjuaq, Quebec – Wednesday October 11, 2017 – Makivvik is very pleased to announce $16.8-million for a wide range of Nunavik initiatives for the 2017-2018 fiscal year (October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018).
“As a result of solid returns from our financial portfolio, as well as a $3-million dividend from First Air, and a $2-million dividend from Air Inuit, we are proud to once again be in a position to allocate funds to all communities. In the 2017-208 fiscal year, $16.8-million will be allocated in support of many different community projects and new initiatives,” said Makivvik President Jobie Tukkiapik.
“These donations are in addition to the support provided by Makivvik to various programs and initiatives annually through our wholly owned subsidiaries Air Inuit and First Air. The $16.8-million in allocations is made possible as a result of a strong financial focus in recent years aimed at achieving immediate objectives while at the same time growing Makivvik’s Beneficiaries’ Equity to ensure continued benefit for generations to come,” said Jobie.
Community Allocations
Makivvik contributes funding to Nunavik communities each year based on population. For 2017-2018 the 15 communities, including Inuit in Chisasibi, will share $4.5-million.
In addition, close to $1.3-million in specific distributions are made for the following community initiatives: Recreation and Leisure; Elders; Junior Rangers; JBNQA Day; National Aboriginal Day; Church Fund; Community Donations Fund; and the Hospital Patients Fund.
For the Community Allocations, Makivvik Board Members are responsible for receiving community requests throughout the year.
Sanarrutik Allocations
The Makivvik Board of Directors has decided to fund the following programs through the Sanarrutik Agreement. Allocations are made to organizations, and for regional initiatives.
Organizational funding under Sanarrutik
The Avataq Cultural Institute will receive $982,576 in recurring funding, plus $290,000 for initiating work towards the creation of a language authority, and $250,000 for various projects.
Taqramiut Nipingat Incorporated (TNI) – Nunavik’s public broadcaster – will receive $439,546 in recurring funding and $230,000 for assistance in renovating the Salluit broadcasting centre and acquiring computer equipment.
Other organizations receiving funding include the Nunavik Tourism Association (NTA), which will receive $125,000. Nunavik Sivunitsavut will receive $80,000 (through KSB). The Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund (NMEF) will receive $30,000. The Nunavik Hunting Fishing and Trapping Association (NHFTA) and the Qarjuit Youth Association will receive $439,546 each. The Landholding Corporations and the Nunavik Landholding Corporation Association will receive $2.2-million.
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Regional Allocations under Sanarrutik
$2-million will be provided for four community infrastructure projects ($500,000 each).
A new initiative being funded in 2017-2018 is the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre in Kuujjuaq for $1-million ($500,000 for the next two years) towards the construction of the new centre. “This is an essential project for the entire Nunavik region,” said Jobie Tukkiapik. “We support the Isuarsivik Board in raising funds from all levels of government for the construction of a larger and more adequate facility, in addition to Makivvik’s contribution.”
Following the success of the documentary, “Now That You Can Stand”, $250,000 was approved for two additional film documentaries in 30-minute formats, as part of an eight-part series.
Makivvik is also contributing $500,000 to the Qanuilirpitaa health survey, of which $200,000 is being allocated this year.
The annual Ivakkak dog race will receive $479,800 and the Makivvik Income Tax project, which assists 6,000 Nunavimmiut in the preparation of tax returns, will receive $629,106.
Finally, hunters will benefit from $1.2-million for the “Fur harvesting, Locally Made Clothing, and Access Initiative” funded through the Hunter Support Program (HSP), managed by the Kativik Regional Government (KRG).
“Together, over the course of three and a half days of discussions on a wide range of issues, the Makivvik Board of Directors, Governors, and Makivvik Executives have made funding decisions for the benefit of all of Nunavik,” said Makivvik Treasurer Andy Pirti. “We have made these decisions collectively, and we are pleased to announce the $16.8-million in donations to our Inuit communities for various initiatives.”
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Contact:
William Tagoona
Communications Coordinator and Media Relations
Makivvik
Tel. 819-964-2925
wtagoona@makivik.org
www.makivik.org
Makivvik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.