Call For Community Initiatives Program Proposals
Iqaluit, Nunavut – February 24, 2017 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is calling for proposals for the Nunalingni Aulajjagiaqtiit/Community Initiatives Program (CIP).
The Community Initiatives Program provides financial support for projects related to community capacity building, promotion of Inuit culture, economic development, social development, health and wellbeing, and the protection of the environment.
“I’m proud of the diverse youth, cultural and recreational programs that communities across our region have been able to organize with funds from the Community Initiatives Program,” says QIA president P.J. Akeeeagok.
From on the land and hunting programs to school nutrition initiatives and arts festivals, QIA’s CIP-funded programs have helped to enrich the lives of Inuit in the Qikiqtani region.
“This past year’s Pang Fest was a hit because of the help we got from QIA’s Community Initiatives Program,” says Billy Etooangat, Pang Fest Chairperson.
“The money allowed us to bring in award-winning musicians like Twin Flames to perform in our community. Hundreds of kids took pictures with the bands, sang along and got signatures all over their T-shirts, backpacks and parkas. Bringing in such role-models makes a real difference in our community.”
Support from QIA’s Community Initiatives Program also made it possible to mount Qajaqtuaq – a huge project designed to pass-on traditional qajaq-making skills to younger generations of Inuit in Kinngait, Kimmirut, Iqaluit and Clyde River.
The CIP budget comes from dividends received from QIA’s subsidiary organizations: Qikiqtaaluk Corp. and Nunasi Corp.
The QIA Culture and Community Initiatives Committee (CCIC) assesses each application. Preference is given to projects that:
- are community based;
- will become self-sustaining over a period of time, or continue to provide benefits to the community after the project is completed and funding has ceased;
- will have a significant impact in addressing an issue faced by Inuit within the community or the Qikiqtani region.
How to Apply:
Community members and organizations from the Qikiqtani region are eligible to submit an application outlining their project proposals for consideration.
You can obtain an application form through your local QIA community liaison officer, by contacting the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (1-800-667-2742/info@qia.ca), or from the QIA website (qia.ca).
The deadline for applications is March 24, 2017.
2016/2017 CIP recipients
For more information, please contact:
Sima Sahar Zerehi, Director of Communications, Qikiqtani Inuit Association
szerehi@qia.ca, (867) 975.8413, 1.800.667.2742
