Inuit org pays out money from Mary River Ilagiiktunut fund

The seven-year negotiations over the Inuit impact benefit agreement between the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and Baffinland Iron Mines Corp. — owner of the Mary River project on north Baffin — are starting to pay off.

That’s after the QIA announced, in a Feb. 4 news release, 11 recipients for the first round of contributions from the Ilagiiktunut Fund.

The annual fund, launched in July 2014, aims to offset the potential social, economic and cultural impacts on the five Baffin communities surrounding the iron mine.

‘’QIA works to ensure that communities have opportunities to be more prepared for the types of changes that are coming as a result of major projects development within the Qikiqtani Region,” QIA president P.J. Akeeagok said in the release.

Nunavut Independent Television Network, the Embrace Life Council and Ilisaqsivik received the largest shares of the $750,000 total, with each organization receiving over $100,000.

Eight other recipients were also announced, which, from highest to lowest funds received, are: Recreation Parks Association Nunavut; Hunters and Trappers Association in Hall Beach; Hamlet of Pond Inlet; Artcirq; Qarjuk Elders; Nassivik High School; Pond Inlet Basketball Club; and Qisilirniq.

An application is currently under review for the final $18,000 left in the fund, the release said.

The fund, administered by a QIA committee, comprises money contributed by the QIA and Baffinland, matched dollar-for-dollar.

The second instalment of the fund, which coincides with the 2015-16 fiscal year, will be announced in the spring, the release said.