NunatuKavut extends vital programs until March 2022; seeks government support for sustainability
HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, January 12, 2021 – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) today announced funding of $2.8 million for the continuation of two vital programs that have made a meaningful and tangible difference in the lives of NunatuKavut Inuit over the past year. Both programs, which began as a one-year pilot in January 2020, have been extended to March 31, 2022.
The $1.5 million Medical Transportation Program (MTP) provides financial support to help alleviate some of the travel costs in accessing specialized insured medical services. Since January 2020, approximately 400 applications have been processed through the MTP, with some members having to utilize the program multiple times.
The $1.3 million Home Repair Program (HRP) provides funding assistance for individual home repair in NunatuKavut communities. Nearly 100 applications have been approved for home repairs since January 2020. The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation contributed $500,000 toward the extension of this program.
A large portion of the funds for both the MTP and the HRP are being provided through NCC’s own-source revenues. Additional provincial and federal resources are critically needed for long-term program sustainability. These resources would significantly contribute to the overall health and well-being of NunatuKavut Inuit and communities for many years to come.
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.
Quotes
“On behalf of the NunatuKavut Community Council, I am pleased that we could continue these very important programs until March 2022. They were designed as a direct response to the needs and priorities that have been voiced by NunatuKavut Inuit over many years. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and we hope that it has alleviated some of the financial stress related to medical travel and urgent home repairs. We thank our dedicated staff who have helped make this program a success. And we appreciate the support of Minister Warr and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for our Home Repair Program. NCC will work hard to ensure that we seek the additional federal and provincial support needed to make these and other programs sustainable.”
— Todd Russell, President of NCC
“Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is pleased to partner with the NunatuKavut Community Council to provide funding to help extend their Home Repair Program. Our government recognizes the benefits of living and aging in place within our homes and communities, as well as living independent, fulfilling lives, close to family and friends.”
— Honourable Brian Warr, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Excellent program that really helped my family make it to important medical appointments that we may not have otherwise been able to attend due to the high travel costs. Thank you.”
— Recipient of the Medical Transportation Program
“Thank you so much for all that NCC has done for us! We appreciate this program so much; without it we would have never got our repairs completed.”
— Recipient of the Home Repair Program
Associated Links
- For further information on NCC and our programs, please visit www.nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at Facebook.com/nunatukavut and Twitter @nunatukavut.
Contact
Kelly Broomfield
Director of Communications
T: 709-280-5965
E. commununications@nunatukavut.ca
