Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Dec 03/99) - Inuvik Works is in the works.

An innovative interagency skills-training and community project program, organizers say they're just waiting for the green light from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) to secure about $400,000 and start making a difference in Inuvik.

"If we get the funding it looks like we can get started in early January, set up our office and begin planning for subsequent years," said Helen Sullivan.

"The HRDC wants a few more questions about our partnership answered and they're sending Auke Praamsma from Yellowknife up here to meet with us Friday."

A supervisor with Education, Culture and Employment, Sullivan said the partnership also includes the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, represented by Otti Dekock, Linda MacDonald from the Inuvik Native Band and Nihtat Gwich'in Tribal Council and the town of Inuvik.

Sullivan first brought the idea to town council early last month, saying Inuvik was applying for a share of the $800,000 HRDC was setting aside under its Urban Initiatives Program for the territory.

She said the proposed Inuvik Works would involve groups like the Inuvik Community Corporation, the Inuvik Youth Centre and Ingamo Hall, include training for residents of aboriginal descent from age 16 to 64 and provide funding for five years. There is also talk of expanding the program to affect non-aboriginal residents.

Town council discussed the matter further last week, and there was clearly excitement about the prospect of a trained workforce helping out with the recreation complex, the library or simply on cleanup.

"It would be an incredible deal for the town," said deputy mayor Peter Clarkson, "with $300,000 to $400,000 coming in and employing people who would not otherwise be working, or who are on assistance."

"We could have this town looking half-decent," added Coun. Clarence Wood.

Sullivan was quick to point out that Inuvik Works would not be competing with any privately-run projects.

"The focus is on work that wouldn't normally get done, and town cleanup is certainly a big part of that," she said.

Sullivan said once up and running, Inuvik Works would begin soliciting proposals from non-profit organizations and other groups for projects they want to see happen.