A year of celebration
Atuqtuarvik Corp. winds down successful 15th anniversary
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
RANKIN INLET
It's been a busy year for the Atuqtuarvik Corp., as the Inuitowned investment company has been celebrating its 15th anniversary while continuing to take care of business on the financial front.
The board members representing the Atuqtuarvik Corp. during its 15th anniversary in 2016 are Jimmy Akavak, William Beveridge and Pujjuut Kusugak, back row from left, and Ruth Niptanatiak-Wilcox, Sakiasie Sowdlooapik, Tracy Wallace and Melissa Irwin, front row from left. - photo courtesy of Atuqtuarvik Corp. |
Atuqtuarvik began operations in Rankin Inlet in June of 2000 as a relatively small operation.
It was tasked by Inuit leadership to provide debt financing and equity investments to assist Inuit businesses realize their goals.
During its first 15 years of operation, the Atuqtuarvik Corp. provided more than $124 million in financing and investment to Nunavut's industry sectors.
Its shareholder is NTI Economic and Social Initiatives Inc.
Operations officer Reanna Johnston said the corporation began the process of celebrating its 15th anniversary in June 2015.
She said a committee was formed in the Rankin office the previous October to plan out what would be done throughout the year to celebrate the milestone.
"It's all gone very well for us and we've received nothing but positive feedback," said Johnston.
"We also received letters from a number of hamlets, thanking us for the contributions we made during our anniversary celebration.
"We provided each hamlet in Nunavut with a $1,000 donation to its breakfast program, and we also sent 10 Atuqtuarvik Corp. 15th anniversary hoodies to each community to be used as prizes for community or school events.
"Our board members and staff came up with the idea of the $1,000 donation to each community's breakfast program or food bank, and we went to make the donations close to Christmas so it would have a bigger impact on the communities."
Johnston said Atuqtuarvik's board members feel it's important for the corporation to remain community orientated.
She said the board members are always trying to get the staff active in the community, donating as much money to deserving causes as they can.
"We constantly get donation and sponsorship requests from people and organizations throughout Nunavut, not just in Rankin Inlet or the Kivalliq.
"It's great to know people are aware of the fact we're here to help sports teams, education programs and other good causes.
"This year as well, we awarded five Atuqtuarvik scholarships instead of the two we usually present.
"Our 15th anniversary is winding down now but with everyone helping out, from our great group of board members to our staff in the office, it's gone very, very well for us, as we did our best to make everyone aware of who we are.
"Next up for us is a board meeting in Naujaat in May, and every time we travel to a community we always ensure we make a monetary contribution, donate a carving, or something like that."
