Kakivak offers relief for Inuit post-secondary students during pandemic

Inuit post-secondary students in the Qikiqtani region can now apply for funding through the Kakivak Association to help offset costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With support from the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Kakivak recently launched the Inuit Post-Secondary Education Student Relief Program, a news release said.

The program allocates $263,000 to post-secondary students.

It will cover “approved, eligible expenses” from March 1 to September 30. Reimbursement of expenses prior to that timeframe may be possible with adequate records of the expenses, the news release said.

Eligible expenses include application fees, tuition, books and supplies, computers, connectivity costs, rent and other living expenses, counselling services, child care and travel expenses.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created many additional barriers for post-secondary Inuit students,” QIA President P.J. Akeeagok said in the release. “For these students any additional financial support can make a big difference. This program can be accessed to pay for expenses from rent and tuition to books and childcare.”

The program is open to all Qikiqtani post-secondary students, including students currently living outside the region, enrolled in full-time or part-time classes at a university or college, whether in person or online.

“We want to give Inuit students the support they need to continue their studies,” Joe Attagutaluk, Kakivak’s chair, said in the release. “This student relief program will help alleviate some of that financial pressure and assist students in getting back to what’s important—their studies.”

To apply, students must have a copy of their acceptance letter or memo of continuation, banking information and a copy of their most current transcripts. Request for reimbursement must also include bills, account statements, lease or rental agreements and any other supporting documents.

Application forms and more details are on Kakivak’s website.