‘We’re very nervous:’ Future for non-profits uncertain during Inuit Child First Initiative pause
Nunavut organizations starting to reduce services after March 31 program expiry
Work is getting more difficult for the staff of Piruqatigiit Resource Centre in Iqaluit during a pause in Inuit Child First Initiative funding. From left: Shuvinai Mike, Jennifer Noah, Amanda Ishulutaq and Trina Yank. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
Nunavut non-profits are in a funding grey area until money associated with the promised Inuit Child First Initiative extension starts flowing.
“We’re very nervous,” said Jennifer Noah, founding executive director of Piruqatigiit Resource Centre.
“We’re essential service providers. We really are.”
Piruqatigiit provides education and support to Nunavummiut with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, a lifelong disability that comes from the impact to a person’s brain and body when prenatally exposed to alcohol.
It recently moved to a new space at 1043 Al Woodhouse St. in Iqaluit where it runs an assessment clinic, offers counselling to families, and a daily alternative learning program for youths that in 2024 was attended by more than 600 kids.
The Inuit Child First Initiative, which helps to fund non-profits that conduct social work in Nunavut communities, as well as a food voucher program for families, accounted for 80 per cent of Piruqatigiit funding with the rest mostly covered by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Noah said.
The Inuit Child First Initiative expired March 31.
On March 8, Crown Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced a one-year extension to the program. Then on March 21, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said $121.7 million would be allocated for a 2025-26 one-time extension, pending Parliament’s approval.
Parliament hasn’t sat since late December, and won’t sit again until after the April 28 federal election.
Indigenous Services Canada didn’t say when the money will start flowing.
“We are not able to confirm when Parliamentary approval will be obtained for the renewed funding for the Inuit Child First Initiative,” Jacinthe Goulet, spokesperson for Indigenous Services Canada, said April 4 in an email.
In the meantime, Piruqatigiit Resource Centre is using leftover money from its last fiscal quarter, said Noah. But even when the fresh round of funding comes, new rules attached to Inuit Child First Initiative will have a lasting impact on her organization, she added.
The federal program will no longer cover administrative costs, including salaries. With that, the six-member team at Piruqatigiit is facing layoffs and will likely close its clinic.
These developments have been devastating, Noah said, adding her team is doing everything it can to survive the uncertainty.
It’s unclear how many Nunavut organizations receive support through Inuit Child First Initiative. Indigenous Services Canada did not provide a number.
But there are at least three, said Jessie Hale, executive director of the Nunavut Association of Non-Profit Organizations. She listed Piruqatigiit, Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, and Ilitaqsiniq.
Ilitaqsiniq announced last week it will close its Early Years program in Baker Lake, Naujaat, Rankin Inlet and Arviat due to the lack of Inuit Child First Initiative money.
The program supports hundreds of families with children under the age of two with in-home visits, community-based support and other resources.
Ilitaqsiniq did not respond to a request for comment.
Climbing wall at the Piruqatigiit Resource Centre that recently relocated to a new building. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
The Inuit Child First Initiative, which helps to fund non-profits that conduct social work in Nunavut communities, as well as a food voucher program for families, accounted for 80 per cent of Piruqatigiit funding with the rest mostly covered by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Noah said.
why can’t it be 80 per cent funded by NTI and 20 per cent by ICFI?
Good question, their overhead is too high. They are a bloated organization with too many redundant, frivolous positions dragging on their resources.
Why can’t it continue to be 80% funded by ICF and 20% funded by NTI, with the 20% provided by NTI covering administrative costs and salaries? Is it because their administrative costs far exceed 20% of their operating costs?
Probably.
This program should continue to be supported by government. So many moms dad’s and children are depending on it. Please consider all the important work this organization is doing. This organization should stay open and continue to get govt funding.