NunatuKavut launches another phase of COVID-19 emergency measures; additional federal funding required
HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, January 29, 2021 – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) today announced the launch of the next phase of COVID-19 initiatives that directly address the critical needs of NunatuKavut members and communities as the global pandemic continues into the winter season. NCC submitted a fulsome proposal to the Government of Canada for this latest phase and has received $900,000 to date. This results in a significant shortfall and further federal funding is urgently needed.
NCC has already developed and implemented two phases of successful and crucial COVID-19 programs and services, most of which was aimed at helping those most vulnerable. Some of the same programming will be available over the next two months, with some new initiatives being introduced. Below is the latest list:
- Ongoing assistance for Black Tickle: assistance with water and food, heat security initiatives and community infrastructure support;
- Elder support program: Elder subsidy, contributions for social and wellness activities and household and individual assistance;
- Food and heat security measures: food and heat vouchers, firewood heat security program, country food harvester grant, food hamper distribution and community freezer enhancement;
- Cultural mental wellness supports: mental wellness activities, support to community recreational programming and virtual services (mental and physical wellness);
- Educational Support Programs: secondary and post-secondary student vouchers; and
- Other direct community need initiatives such as the provision of sanitation supplies, mask distribution and support to local groups serving vulnerable populations.
NCC is committed to continuing to work with the federal government to secure the much-needed additional funding to help NunatuKavut Inuit and members cope with the impacts of COVID-19.
QUOTE
“I am so pleased that the NunatuKavut Community Council is able to continue offering some very critical programs and initiatives during this health emergency. Our staff have been instrumental in helping roll-out COVID-19 programming as efficiently as possible so that our people and communities are being cared for. The feedback has been tremendous. And we’ve heard many inspirational and uplifting stories about how these initiatives are helping make such a positive impact in the lives of NunatuKavut Inuit. But all of this great work has not come without a fight and we continue to push back against discrimination and inequality to ensure that we have the funds needed to be able to provide these essential supports. The health and wellbeing of our people and communities is, and will always be, our top priority.”
— 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 in Newfoundland and Labrador is available online at www.gov.nl.ca/COVID-19.
- 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