Ottawa provides $1.5M for sports initiatives across Nunavik and Nunavut

The federal government has announced $1.5 million to fund nine sports-related initiatives in Nunavut and Nunavik.

The money is part of $24.2 million distributed between 119 Indigenous-led projects across the country, the Department of Canadian Heritage announced Feb. 7 in a news release.

It comes from the department’s Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program.

The Government of Nunavut will receive more than $800,000 for its Nunavut Youth Ambassador Program, which sends volunteers to the Canada and Arctic Winter Games.

Approximately $157,000 is earmarked for the City of Iqaluit for the Qaumaniq Summer Day Camp, which engages youths in Inuit cultural traditions, environmental stewardship and creative expression.

Recreation and Parks Association Nunavut is set to receive $115,000 for its youth leader training initiatives in summer camps and winter programs.

Sport Nunavut will also get $50,000 for its coaching symposium, which brings women community leaders from across Nunavut to participate in sport-specific training.

Nunavik’s Inukrock Climbers Club, based in Inukjuak, is the recipient of more than $245,000 to promote rock climbing by identifying more climbing sites, as well as training in local communities.

Kuujjuaq’s Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre will receive $90,000 to integrate outdoor and cultural activities in its recovery program.

Around $63,000 is going to Puvirnituq for the purchase of hockey equipment and to co-ordinate practices with athletes between the ages of 5 and 18. The community will also purchase a golf simulator to be used by community members year-round.