Annual meeting fuels region
KIA assembly builds enthusiasm for community, wellness and infrastructure programs
Beth Brown
Northern News Services
Monday, October 17, 2016
IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY
Multi-year funding, Embrace Life initiatives and the Grays Bay Port and Road Project were on the agenda at the Kitikmeot Inuit Association annual general meeting in Cambridge Bay Oct. 4 to 6.
Ikaluktutiak Western Drummers & Dancers perform at a closing feast for the Kitikmeot Inuit Association annual general meeting on Oct. 6. From left, Jason Akoluk, Trisha Ogina, Sam Anayoak Jr., Karen Kaomayok and Jerry Puglik. - Navalik Tologanak/NNSL photo
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The assembly resolved to lobby the federal and territorial governments to allow for more stable funding for ongoing programs, KIA director of planning and communication Fred Pedersen said.
The concern is that funding for programs such as the Regional Radio Project and the Channel 51 Television Project requires an annual application.
"Those are not one-year projects, but each year we have to write new proposals for them," said Pedersen.
He said traditional language education programs fall into the same category.
"To get language back to 80 per cent and above of speakers using the language is not going to happen over night, it's another project that will take years to complete," he said.
Once these projects finish a pilot phase, they require a sustainable funding model in order to maintain momentum, said KIA programs coordinator Julia Ogina.
"Even though we reapply for the same project, there's no guarantee that same project will be approved," she said.
While this uncertainty is hard on all programs, she said healing initiatives are a key area of concern, as a project may be terminated just when participants are starting to feel comfortable and able to truly benefit from the service.
She said it is helpful to have funding allocated to specific initiatives, like tool making, sewing or drum dancing, but the time spent applying for grants and writing reports ties up resources that could be used working with community members.
Youth spaces
Each of the Kitikmeot communities sent a youth and an elder representative to the meeting.
Pederson said the KIA will be helping establish a youth society in Gjoa Haven. A building has been selected as a possible youth centre, and funding will be sought to upgrade the facility for youth programming.
The assembly passed a resolution to support advancing the Grays Bay Road and Port Project, pending proper community consultations.
The resolution stated that the infrastructure initiative "will help to define economic development in the Kitikmeot region throughout the 21st century by creating a transportation backbone that improves the quality of life in Kitikmeot communities and helps overcome barriers to regional growth."
KIA executive director Paul Emingak said the assembly discussed environmental concerns and social impact issues that naturally come up with large scale projects.
"One of the issues that always comes up is the caribou issue on both sides of the border of Nunavut and the NWT," Emingak said.
In July, the KIA and the Government of Nunavut signed a memorandum of understanding with the
Government of Nunavut to jointly advance the port and road project, with the KIA becoming the end owner.
"It's a huge undertaking," he said.
Pedersen said the KIA will apply for Infrastructure Canada funding for the road and port in the next fiscal year.
Ogina said that overall the annual gathering showed a common desire for collaboration in the region.
"People are ready," she said. "Partnerships need to be developed, regional file holders need to work together and plan together on programs being delivered for the same target group."
She said the isolation of the communities can cause a lack of cohesion, but with technology so accessible, this is a hurdle that is no longer an excuse.
"Communication is easier now, there's no reason why we can't do that."
