NunatuKavut addresses urgent community needs during COVID-19 pandemic; awaits federal support
HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, April 1, 2020 – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) today announced the urgent supports being provided to NunatuKavut Inuit communities during the COVID-19 global pandemic. NCC has yet to receive confirmation on a proposal submitted to the Government of Canada to assist in carrying out this important work.
NCC has been in frequent contact with community leaders to assess the evolving impacts of COVID-19 and have completed a scan of the urgent and short-term resourcing needs. Plans are now underway to develop and implement crucial programs and services to help those most vulnerable. This includes an elder/vulnerable person support program and a food security initiative.
NCC is providing critical supports for Black Tickle, one of the most vulnerable communities in NunatuKavut as a result of chronic neglect by successive governments. In recent days, NCC has worked with the Local Service District and local businesses to secure charter flights to transport freight with food, water and cleaning supplies. NCC has also made arrangements to bring fuel and gas into the community. Workers will be hired in Black Tickle to assist with these and other on-the-ground efforts over the coming months.
NCC is committed to the health and well-being of our people and communities. Work will continue to ensure that communities have access to the basic health, safety and necessary resources to prevent the spread of illness and the ability to respond to the impacts.
QUOTE
“As is being experienced around the globe, we find ourselves in unprecedented and uncertain times. NCC is working hard to ensure that NunatuKavut Inuit, our members and communities have the funding and supports they need to help deal with the COVID-19 crisis over the coming days, weeks and months. We come from generations of strong and resilient people who have survived great adversity in the past. And they did so by relying on the strength of our culture, by supporting one another, caring for one another and doing the hard work that was necessary. And I know that we will meet and overcome this challenge stronger and more connected than ever.”
— Todd Russell, NCC President
QUICK FACTS
- NCC is the representative governing body for approximately 6,000 Inuit who reside primarily in south and central Labrador.
- NunatuKavut means “Our Ancient Land” in Inuttitut and is the traditional territory of the Inuit who belong to this territory.
- In July 2018, NCC entered into talks with the Government of Canada on the Recognition of its Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination (RIRSD). In September 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed.
ASSOCIATED LINKS
- Credible and emerging information on COVID-19 is available online at www.gov.nl.ca/COVID-19.
- Here is a list of mental wellness supports
available in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- If you are finding it difficult to cope or feel anxious, Bridge the gapp offers many services to support you and your wellbeing. Please visit www.bridgethegapp.ca
- If you are feeling isolated and alone during COVID-19, call the Provincial CHANNAL Warm Line at 1-855-753-2560 9:00am to 12:00am daily.
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-737-4668 available 24 hours a day
- Further information on NCC can be found at www.nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at Facebook.com/nunatukavut, Twitter @nunatukavut and YouTube by searching NunatuKavut.
CONTACT
Kelly Broomfield
Director of Communications
709-280-5965