NTI MEDIA RELEASE: Community Hunt Funds to all the Hunters and Trappers Organizations (HTOs) in Nunavut in light of COVID-19
For Immediate Release
Inuit organizations are providing $10,000 to Hunters and Trappers Organizations (HTOs) in Nunavut to assist with community hunts and help minimize the impacts of COVID-19 on Inuit facing economic hardship and food insecurity.
“We all have an important role in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” says Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk. “Enhanced nutrition, food security and access to good, nutritious country food for individuals, families and communities will help strengthen immune systems.”
“Inuit are community minded, we take care of our neighbours and Elders in times of need,” says Qikiqtani Inuit Association President, P.J. Akeeagok, “these community hunts will not only help Inuit dealing with food insecurity in the face of COVID-19, but they will also encourage harvesters to practice social distancing by going on the land.”
The HTOs have first-hand knowledge of their communities and know how to best distribute resources to support community harvesting. Local HTOs will be selecting harvesters, and distributing money for gas and other costs associated with the hunt. The food harvested will be delivered to Elders, widows, widowers, and anyone who has self-isolated or is quarantined in the communities.
With the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, Inuit organizations are taking additional responsible, proactive and proportionate measures to prevent or minimize the spread of the virus in Nunavut. NTI is providing $5,000 to each HTO with matching funds from the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Kivalliq Inuit Association and Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
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For more information, please contact:
Malaya Mikijuk
A/ Director of Communications Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
T wit t er @ NTu nng a v i k and Fac ebo ok P age: Nun av ut T unn ga vik I nc .
Tel: (867)-222-1443
Qajaaq Ellsworth
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of President Aluki Kotierk Tel: (867) 222-3939
Arnaujuq Kowmuk
Director of Inuit Programs and Services Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
