Bereavement Travel Program

How does Kitikmeot Inuit Association’s Bereavement Travel Program work?

The Kitikmeot Inuit Association Bereavement Travel Program provides assistance for Inuit who have experienced death of a family member, by providing financial support to cover certain travel costs for family members and/or the transportation of the remains of a deceased family member.

The program will provide funds to cover reasonable transportation costs from a location within Canada to a community in Nunavut for up to three (3) family members who wish to attend the funeral of a deceased family member.

Travel can be by air, ground or a combination. Transportation of remains can also be reimbursed with supporting documents. The program does not fund accommodation costs or other expenses such as meals, though if travelers encounter delays, support is available up to 4 nights to a maximum of $1,000 for hotels, or up to $100 per night for billeting. There are rules about who is eligible to receive financial assistance.

Who is eligible?

• Eligible family members include grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, spouse, daughter, son, sister, brother, grandchildren, aunt, uncle, niece, and nephew.
• Flexibility in family relations may be exercised by KIA in order to respectfully honor the wishes and choices of next of kin or the immediate family members.
• KIA must receive a copy of the death certificate or supporting letter from certified healthcare professional.
• The deceased person must be a family member who is or was enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement or an associated community or be their spouse.
• The person receiving the assistance must be an lnuk enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement and be a family member of the terminally ill or deceased person.
• Families must work together to determine which family members are most in need of assistance. Priority will be given to family members over the age of 16.

Policy

Click here to read the full Bereavement Travel Program policy.

Need Assistance?

For more information or assistance applying, contact your local Community Liaison Officer (CLO) or Benefits Agreement Coordinator in Cambridge Bay.