Library continues Nuluaq’s work

The Nuluaq Public Internet Access Site, formerly located at the Iqaluit Public Library, closed on March 15, 2005.

We are delighted that the Nunavut Public Library System will provide additional Gates Foundation laptops in the former Nuluaq space, which will allow the public to continue to enjoy free access to the internet. The Nuluaq assets, including computers, printer, scanner and furniture, have been donated to others in the community including the Qimaavik Women’s Shelter, the Youth Centre and the Public Library.

In 1998, the Nuluaq Society was founded to address the lack of public access to the internet. Since that time, other agencies have introduced additional access points such that we believe our original mandate has been fulfilled. On behalf of the current Nuluaq Society Board members, Lorraine Thomas, Steve Smith, Jim Tegler, Alan Hetherington and Eepeebee Lyta, I would like to recognize those who have contributed to this success.

We thank our corporate sponsors, especially Northwestel for their unwavering support over the years, Iqaluit Centennial Public Library, Nunavut Arctic College, Industry Canada, Rotary Club, Nunavut Catering, Tittaq, Radio Shack, Baffin Regional Literacy Committee, Arctic Cooperatives Limited, First Air, Nortext, Arctic Sky Media, Ardicom, Urbco, Nunanet, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, Elks Lodge, and ArcTEC Laser Services. Also thanks to our individual donors, Ellen Bennett, Diane Stenton and Doctors Cran, Netscher and Stubbing.

We are grateful to the many volunteers, supporters and youth staff who have helped to ensure that Iqalungmiut have had free access to the internet since 1998. Finally, we would like to applaud the Nunavut Community Access Program administrators, Darlene Thompson and Christina Haight, for cheerfully ensuring delivery of the funds needed to pay for our youth staff.

Gary H. Pon
Interim Chair
Nuluaq Society Board