The Arctic Inspiration Prize finalists have been announced for 2025, with nine of the 18 projects involving Nunavut's participation.
The three categories in the annual competition have high stakes with the top prize being $1 million. Also awarded will be up to four prizes of up to $500,000 each and up to seven youth prizes of up to $100,000 each.
One of the team members nominated in the $1-million prize category, Luis Manzo, the team leader, said it was an honour to be nominated for their project — 'SeDNA' — and the work they are doing to understand and identify fish habitat in the North.
“It is a very good science project to introduce a new technology in the North,” Manzo said.
The project involves quantifying the species of fish and creating an inventory by using a DNA metabarcoding system.
“This project will cover the seven communities and try to get all the inventory of fish, and also identify fish coming from Manitoba, from the south into the North,” he said. Those seven communities are Arviat, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet, Baker Lake, Repulse Bay and Coral Harbour.
“Because of climate change, some species are moving into the North.
“After we have the inventory, we can send the information to the habitat fish biologist to identify what kind of impact the fish in Nunavut will have for other fish.
This is one part of the project. The other part is food security.”
This is the 13th year for the largest annual prize in Canada, with the winners being announced in a ceremony May 13th in Ottawa. The initiative was created to inspire, enable and celebrate the achievements of the people of the North. Teams develop projects in fields such as the performing arts, traditional knowledge, language, education, sustainable housing, science and health.
Selected as Nunavut finalists in the three categories are:
$1-million category:
Hunting as Livelihood: A Path to Inuit Food Sovereignty
This project by the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre in Iqaluit revitalizes hunting as a culturally-rooted livelihood and integrates country food into Food Access and Food Skills programs. Formalizing employment for Inuit hunters within the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre (QCFC), it strengthens Inuit food systems, cultural connections and addresses the food insecurity crisis through improved access to traditional foods
SeDNA: Understanding Fish Habitat through eDNA
SeDNA is a community-driven project aimed at safeguarding Kivalliq Fisheries from climate change and other environmental challenges. This initiative combines Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit with eDNA sampling techniques to assess fish inventories in culturally significant Nunavut lakes. By providing hands-on experience with eDNA sampling and analysis, SeDNA empowers local youth and community members to become environmental stewards and helps build capacity for future generations of Inuit scientists.
Ujjiqsuiniq Search and Rescue Readiness Training Program (Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut)
In response to the rising number of land-based emergencies involving youth, the Ujjiqsuiniq program is a tri-regional initiative designed to build Inuit-specific search and rescue (SAR) readiness, skills and confidence among young people. This project focuses on promoting safety, cultural connection and long-term well-being through land-based preparedness training. By enhancing SAR capabilities, participants will be better equipped to travel, harvest, work and live safely on the land, ultimately contributing to the broader socio-cultural health and sustainability of Inuit communities.
AIP category finalists
Ajunngittutit
An Inuit-led alternative education model by Pirurqatigiit Resource Centre for neurodiverse and marginalized youth, blending Inuktut revitalization, land-based learning, and hands-on programming to create inclusive learning environments in Nunavut.
Baker Lake Diabetes Prevention and Nutrition Program
This community health initiative will promote traditional Inuit practices to combat rising Type 2 diabetes rates. Focused on prevention and local empowerment, it reduces reliance on southern medical travel and promotes sustainable, healthy living.
Kitikmeot Community Elder Training Program
A program to mentor and support the next generation of Elders, ensuring traditional knowledge is passed on. Elders will lead cultural education, language preservation and support community services rooted in Inuinnait values.
Youth prize finalists
Traditional Sewing and Beading Program
This youth-led project will teach traditional sewing and beading skills through workshops guided by Elders. It keeps ancestral knowledge alive while building confidence, connection and creativity in younger generations.
Empowering Northern Voices (Nunavut, Yukon, Northwest Territories)
A gathering that will unite youth across the territories for training in advocacy, leadership, and solutions-building. The initiative will create a strong youth network focused on addressing key issues, such as mental health, education and the environment.
The Northern Laughter Movement (Nuanvut, Yukon, NWT)
This initiative uses humour and storytelling as tools for wellness, creativity and leadership. A week-long gathering will equip youth with skills in comedy and narrative-building while offering space for cultural connection and healing.
