Iqaluit, Nunavut, October 6, 2022 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is proud to confirm that an additional investment of $25,750,000 toward the Qikiqtani Truth Commission’s (QTC) Final Report and, recommendations has been received from the Government of Canada (GoC).

In addition, QIA and the GoC today signed an Addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) confirming Canada’s commitment to seek a final investment towards the QTC Final Report and, Recommendations.

“A final investment will support QIA to establish a permanent set of programs and services for Inuit.  We strive to create meaningful and healing programming consistent with the QTC Recommendations and aim towards addressing the impacts of policies developed and implemented by the GoC from 1950-1975” said Olayuk Akesuk, President of QIA.

QIA is seeking a final  investment of approximately $31 million. Once received the final investment will support   the full establishment of the Saimaqatigiingniq Fund. The final investment will also address  QIA’s historical costs to conduct and implement the Qikiqtani Truth Commission from 2008-2018.

“For too long, Canada failed Inuit through colonial practices meant to strip values and traditions, disregarding consultation, and without providing adequate funding. This Memorandum of Understanding will support the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s efforts to address these wrongs, and to advance reconciliation and healing for Inuit, through adequate programs implemented by and for Inuit” said The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

A signing ceremony between the QIA President Olayuk Akesuk and Minister Marc Miller took place this afternoon which recognizes the Government of Canada’s most recent financial contribution to the QTC, while also finalizing the Government of Canada’s commitment to seek a final payment in accordance with the MOU.

For more information on the QTC, the Final Reports and Recommendations or programming related to QTC, please visit: https://www.qtcommission.ca/en

For media inquiries , please contact:

Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
(P) 867.975.8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742

kflaherty@qia.ca

Renelle Arsenault

Director of Communications

Office of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

renelle.arsenault@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

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