Inuit Initiatives Fund

The Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) has entered into Impact and Benefits Agreements and Participation Agreements with various mining companies. These agreements provide funding, which KIA administers through the Aituuti Katimayiit – Funding Allocation Policy. Pursuant to the policy, KIA has established the Inuit Initiatives Fund to support Kitikmeot Beneficiaries and groups with cultural and wellness initiatives. KIA administers the Inuit Initiatives Fund through the Allocation Committee. KIA believes a strong Inuit cultural foundation is vital to Inuit well-being.

Therefore, the purpose of the Inuit Initiatives Fund is to provide funding in support of initiatives that support, enhance or promote Inuit culture and wellness.

The objective of the Inuit Initiatives Fund is to support:

• Cultural initiatives including community cultural and traditional events; and
• Wellness initiatives including recreation, sports and social events; and
• Other related initiatives that benefit Inuit in the Kitikmeot region.

Funding Priorities

• projects that aim to preserve and strengthen Inuit cultural identity.
• based in the Kitikmeot region, or who otherwise enjoy strong local or regional support
• non-traditional sports initiatives – high profile events occurring in the Kitikmeot region, which involve multiple communities, and which demonstrate KIA’s sponsorship role.

Contribution Levels and Criteria Include

• Applicants seeking more than $10,000.00 must demonstrate benefits accruing to a broad group of Inuit living in the Kitikmeot region
• All applicants must demonstrate equity or third-party funding from other organizations, government funding, or fund-raising activities.
• All applicants must demonstrate how the initiative supports, enhances or promotes Inuit culture and wellness.
• Non-Traditional Sport/ Recreation – Youth (18 and under) 25% Equity
• Non-Traditional Sport/ Recreation -Adult (19 and over) 75% Equity
• Derby-type events (i.e. fishing and sealing contests) are eligible for $1500/per event twice a year, for a total of $3000 per Kitikmeot Community.

Application Process

Application for the KIA Inuit Initiatives Fund can be made at any time of the year but will be reviewed for approval every 3 months by the Aituuti Katimayiit.

The intake for Inuit Initiatives proposals is recommended to be limited to four (4) times a year with each intake period lasting three (3) months.

• Apply: January – March. Applications Reviewed: April meeting
• Apply: April – June. Applications Reviewed: July
• Apply: July – September. Applications Reviewed: October
• Apply: October – December. Applications Reviewed: January

For more information, contact:

• Your local KIA Community Liaison Officer, or
• KIA Department of Social and Cultural Development in Cambridge Bay at (867) 983-2458.

Policy

Click here to download a PDF copy of the Inuit Initiatives Fund Terms of Reference.