Deadline approaching for regional relief and recovery fund for businesses
Qikiqtani
The Baffin Business Development Corporation (BBDC) deadline for their Regional Relief and Recovery Fund is on March 31.
The fund supports small businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and those who have attempted to access other Government of Canada emergency supports and were deemed ineligible.
Eligible applicants may apply for up to $100,000, including up to $25,000 in loan forgiveness to support eligible operating costs.
Costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, non-deferrable expenses, working capital as well as health and safety improvements due to Covid-19.
For more information contact BBDC at 867-979-1303 or email infor@baffinbdc.ca.
Canada, Nunavut and NTI reaffirm commitment to support Inuktut education
Nunavut
Canada’s Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault announced on March 8 that the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut (GN) and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to help support and strengthen Inuktut language and education.
The Government of Canada said its reaffirming its commitment to invest $42 million over five years to support this agreement.
“Through initiatives such as this, we are ensuring that educators have the resources, skills and experience they need to teach Inuktut and strengthen Nunavummiut pride in their shared linguistic heritage,” said Guilbeault.
The GN will also be expanding Inuit educator training through Nunavut Arctic Colleges Nunavut Teacher Education Program in communities across the territory beginning in 2021-22.
“This is great news for Inuit students. Increasing the number of Inuktut speaking teachers will realize our expectation of Inuktut language of instruction in our schools,” said Aluki Kotierk, President of NTI.
Family Resource Worker training available in Nunavut
Nunavut
The Department of Family Services, in conjunction with Nunavut Arctic College, is introducing the Family Resource Worker Certificate Program.
This program is a pathway to the Social Service Worker Program, graduates will also earn credits which will go towards the Social Service Worker Diploma.
The first intake will be running from March 22 to 26, with additional programs to be announced at a later date.
Family resource workers, foster care co-ordinators and clerks/interpreters are encouraged to apply.
For more information about this program, people are asked to contact Sheila Higdon at SHigdon@gov.nu.ca, or call 867-975-5235.
Akausivik continuing vaccine distribution for Inuit
Ottawa
Last week, the Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team surpassed 1,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine delivered at their clinic.
The former president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Mary Simon came to Akausivik to get her shot.
“I realize that the pandemic has put a huge strain on everyone. You have answered the call of duty in this time of great change in our lives,” said Simon when she was at Akausivik.
“Today I saw and experienced a place where people cared for each other and looked out for one another ... individuals working hard every day to meet the needs of our community.”
Inuit in the south can contact Akausivik to book an appointment in their Ottawa clinic at 613-740-0999, clinic hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All Inuit adults are eligible, including family and caregivers.
Free virtual tutoring throughout North on offer
Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) through their Northern Compass team is working with students and youth across all three territories to help people get guidance, support and resources to help with their studies.
Any student in high school or post-secondary school from Nunavut, Yukon or NWT can sign up for virtual drop-in times or need-based one-on-one sessions.
Assistance with class material, understanding course content, help with assignments and other study-related assistance is available for those who sign up.
Students who want to sign up can visit the NYA website to do so.
Those interested in becoming a tutor can email nya@nya.ca.