NunatuKavut Launches Its First Community Infrastructure Program

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, August 21, 2017 – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) is proud to announce the launch of a $1.5 million program that will provide a vital investment in infrastructure projects in communities in NunatuKavut. This is the first major infrastructure program developed by NCC that is fully funded from its own source revenues.

Called the Investing in NunatuKavut Communities Infrastructure Program (INCIP), communities can access up to $30,000 in funding for project planning and proposal development and up to $100,000 for direct investment into infrastructure projects like building construction, water and sewer and community roads. This funding, which totals up to $130,000 per project, can also be leveraged to access funding from other sources.

Community organizations in year-round NunatuKavut communities from Cartwright to Lodge Bay are eligible to apply. This includes community governance bodies, committees and other not-for-profit groups.

INCIP will start as a three-year pilot program with two application deadlines per year: October 15 and April 15. The first deadline is this coming October.

Quick Facts

• NCC is the representative governing body for approximately 6,000 Inuit of south and central Labrador, collectively known as the Southern Inuit of NunatuKavut.
• NunatuKavut means “Our Ancient Land” in Inuttitut and is the traditional territory of the Southern Inuit.

Quotes

“NCC is extremely proud to be able to offer a major infrastructure program that is funded entirely from our own resource revenues. It is wonderful to see these funds being put back into our communities in such a tangible way. This program encourages communities to determine their own priorities, look at sustainability and apply for funding based on greatest need. This is an important step in self-governance. We look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead for NCC and Southern Inuit. We feel that this signifies progress and is indicative of what the future holds.”

• Todd Russell, President of NCC

“The local service district in Black Tickle is happy to hear about new infrastructure funding for our communities. It allows small communities with small populations and very little tax base to be able to avail of Government funding to meet its infrastructure needs. NCC funding would make it possible to meet other Government funding requirements.”

• Joe Keefe, Local Service District of Black Tickle

“I believe that infrastructure is the way to build strong, local communities. Programs of Government, NCC, municipal councils, the business community, schools and churches must work together instead of in isolation of each other. It is also important that communities work together to address community concerns and attract strong leaders and community participation. Modern infrastructure, workplace readiness, access to broadband infrastructure will enable small communities to survive and compete in a global economy.”

• Margaret Burden, Town of Port Hope Simpson

Associated Links

• For further information on NCC, please visit nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at Facebook.com/nunatukavut and Twitter @nunatukavut.

More Information

Contact

Kelly Broomfield
Director of Communications
709-280-5965

NT5