Iqaluit, Nunavut – October 8, 2020 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Qikiqtani Qimuksiqtiit Project (QQP) designed to assist Qikiqtani Inuit with the maintenance of their dog teams.

This three-year pilot program provides funding to Qikiqtani Inuit who are established qimmiit practitioners. Each eligible applicant will receive $3,000 as a one-time payment. The program is part of QIA’s ongoing work on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission.

“Supporting the work of established Qikiqtani qimmiit practitioners is an important step in QIA’s ongoing work to implement the recommendations from the Qikiqtani Truth Commission,” says QIA President, P.J. Akeeagok, “I look forward to seeing how the Qikiqtani Qimuksiqtiit Project helps in strengthening this cultural practice, among Qikiqtani Inuit.”

Qikiqtani Inuit who have five dogs or more can apply for the funding. The application can be accessed on the QIA website at qia.ca/qikiqtani-qimuksiqtiit-project/ or completed with assistance from our staff by calling 867-975-8384.

The deadline for the application is December 31, 2020. Successful applicants should receive funding by January 31, 2021. The pilot program will run until March 2023.

For more information, please contact:

Sima Sahar Zerehi,

Director of Communications,

Qikiqtani Inuit Association

szerehi@qia.ca

867.975.8413

1.800.667.2742