Government of Canada committed to promoting Inuit civic participation
IQALUIT, March 24, 2004 -- Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament (Nunavut), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced that the Government of Canada will collaborate with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) to encourage civic participation by the Inuit population of the Baffin region of Nunavut."I am pleased that the Government of Canada is committed to creating opportunities for Inuit to participate effectively in decision-making processes that affect their daily lives," said Ms. Karetak-Lindell. "This funding will allow the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to continue its important work of supporting the different needs of community members in this region."
"The Government of Canada is committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal people across the country," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "Our partnership with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association ensures that the Inuit in the Baffin region are able to contribute to their region's political, social, cultural and economic development and to participate more effectively in Canadian society."
The funding of $204,168 will allow the QIA to better represent its membership by reinforcing existing community links, creating partnerships with governments and other agencies, and responding to the needs of the community. It will also allow the QIA to conduct research, to promote the Inuit culture and language, and to address issues such as child care, justice, education, health, housing, and self-government.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP). The objective of AROP is to maintain a consultative framework of Inuit, Métis, and Non-Status Indian representative organizations through which governments can address the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Funding for this program was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Miali Pitsiulak
Assistant
Office of Nancy Karetak-Lindell
(613) 992-2848
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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