Iqaluit, Nunavut – February 21, 2017 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is conducting consultations on our programs in all thirteen communities within our region, starting February 23 in Iqaluit.

The open houses will be an opportunity for QIA to get feedback on our existing programs and to gather insights from communities on what programs or projects we should undertake with the funds received from our new revenue policy.

The new policy will create mechanisms for the organization to not only invest money for the future, but also grow programs today. QIA’s benefits fund will set aside at least $1 million/year for the development and delivery of new programs, while the legacy fund will set money aside for the future.

“We are now investing funds received from a number of sources related to activities on Inuit Owned Lands and our subsidiaries,” said QIA president P.J. Akeeagok.

“This money which we didn’t previously have is giving us an exciting opportunity to create new programs for Qikiqtani Inuit and we want to hear from community members where that money should go.”

The community workshops will include a short presentation followed by an interactive exercise and conclude with refreshments and draws for door prizes. Participants can win gas and grocery cards, sealskins, book, music packages and much more.

Qikiqtani Inuit who are unable to attend the consultations have an opportunity to share their input by completing a survey. The survey is available on our website (qia.ca) as well as on our Twitter account (@Qikiqtani_Inuit) and Facebook page (Qikiqtani Inuit Assoc.). You can also get a copy of the survey through your local QIA community liaison officer. All surveys need to be submitted by March 31, 2017.

Time/location for consultations:

Thursday February 23 – Iqaluit
Anglican Parish Hall, 6pm

Monday February 27 – Pangnirtung
Community Hall, 6pm

Tuesday February 28 – Qikiqtarjuaq
Community Hall, 6pm

Monday March 6 – Clyde River
Community Hall, 6pm

Tuesday March 7 – Pond Inlet
Community Hall, 6pm

Tuesday March 7 – Sanikiluaq
High school gymnasium, 6pm

Monday March 13 – Sanirajak
Community Hall, 6pm

Monday March 13 – Kimmirut
Akavak Centre, 6pm

Tuesday March 14 – Igloolik
Community Hall, 6pm

Thursday March 23 – Kinngait
Community Hall, 6pm

Monday March 27 – Arctic Bay
Community Hall, 6pm

Tuesday March 28 – Resolute Bay
Community Hall, 6pm

Wednesday March 29 – Grise Fiord
Community Hall, 6pm

These dates are subject to change due to weather/mechanical issues.

For more information, please contact:

Sima Sahar Zerehi,
Director of Communications,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
szerehi@qia.ca
(867) 975.8413
1.800.667.2742

en-1336-53643964