Iqaluit, Nunavut – January 22, 2020 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is making an emergency contribution of $10,000.00 to the Igloolik Food Bank following this week’s fire at the community’s cooperative store.

“QIA understands the essential role that cooperatives play in communities across the Qikiqtani Region,” said QIA President, P.J. Akeeagok, “we are offering this support to the Igloolik Food Bank to ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community have access to food throughout this crisis.”

The disruption to the food supply chain in Igloolik is a threat to community health, especially given the continued risk of COVID-19 in Nunavut. QIA’s donation will help Inuit impacted by the fire receive adequate nutrition.

Wednesday morning, QIA became aware of a fire that destroyed the co-op building in Igloolik throughout the night. Since learning of the situation QIA has been proactive in communicating with the Igloolik co-op, hamlet officials, and community liaison officer.

QIA will continue to liaise with officials in Igloolik in order to monitor the situation in the coming weeks.

For more information, please contact:

Will Hopkins,
Acting Director of Communications,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
whopkins@qia.ca
867.975.8413 or
1.800.667.2742