2-02224

INDIAN AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS PROVIDES FUNDING SUPPORT TO THE INUIT OF SALLUIT AND KANGIQSUJUAQ

SALLUIT (QUEBEC), December 20, 2002 - Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) today announced a financial contribution of $100,000 to Nuvumiut Drilling Inc. for a project to purchase prospecting and mineral extraction equipment. The total cost of the project is $460,000. The project's other financial partners are the Kativik Regional Government through the Makigiarutiit fund, which assists in the creation of businesses, and the Makivik Corporation.

Nuvumiut Drilling Inc. is a business owned equally by the two land corporations of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq. With Bradley Bros. Ltd., a Rouyn-Noranda extraction company, Nuvumiut Drilling Inc. has formed a joint venture called Bradley-Nuvumiut. The two businesses each hold 50% of the shares. INAC is thus funding the Inuit of Nuvumiut Drilling Inc. in their partnership with Bradley. This same joint venture helped win the partnership prize at the 2002 Mishtapew Gala, which showcases successful Aboriginal businesses.

Bradley-Nuvumiut currently has a prospecting and extraction contract with the Raglan mine, which is located north of the 55th parallel some 100 km from the community of Salluit. The INAC investment will allow the Inuit of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq to participate fully in the development of the resources located in their territory in order to achieve a measure of economic prosperity that northern communities often find difficult to attain.

"INAC is participating fully in the economic development of Canada's northern peoples. The Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq communities are examples of the vitality of the northern economy within Canada. My government is proud to be associated with projects that focus on regional strengths, and the development of the natural resources of the North," said the Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

The workers of the Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq communities are proud to be part of Nuvumiut. Their involvement in the company will enable us to solidify our local economies and ensure the creation of stable jobs," noted Mr. Paul Papigatuk, president of Nuvumiut Drilling Inc.

Nuvumiut Drilling Inc. joint ventures have created 23 full-time jobs with 30% of these positions held by Inuit workers. The Inuit communities of Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq are located on Hudson Strait in Quebec's far north.

For further information, please contact:

Paul Papigatuk
Nuvumiut Drilling Inc.
Salluit Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 255-8908

Hélène Philippe
Gestionnaire des communications
Quebec Regional Office
(418) 648-7675

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