Indigenous Peoples are stewards of their lands and waters and sustainable hunting and harvesting is a key part of life in Nunavut communities. Hunters can improve food security in their communities by providing nutritious traditional foods for families, as well as supplying the raw resources for many traditional tools and crafts used by local artisans and entrepreneurs. The Government of Canada understands that targeted investments for Nunavut hunters can improve many facets of a local economy to the benefit of everyone in the community.
Today, while meeting with representatives from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Kivalliq Inuit Association, the Nunavut Inuit Wildlife Secretariat, and the Kangiqliniq Hunters and Trappers Organization in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced funding of $405,000 for the Nunavut Inuit Wildlife Secretariat (NIWS) to conduct professional development workshops for Hunters and Trappers Organizations (HTOs) in the Qikiqtaaluk, Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions.
HTOs are best positioned to support and contribute their expertise to local wildlife research and many other projects undertaken by organizations, universities and all orders of government. As a result, this can bring new economic opportunities for local hunters, support sustainable harvesting activities, and promote food sovereignty.
This two-year project will see the Nunavut Inuit Wildlife Secretariat train HTO managers in 24 communities in Nunavut on programs, policies, and procedures which will bridge this gap.
