ITK Board Of Directors Meets In Ottawa, Endorses Next Steps In Creation Of An Inuit Nunangat University

December 14, 2023 — Ottawa, ON

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s Board of Directors met in Ottawa December 11.

Directors approved a series of recommendations that will guide the next steps in the development of an Inuit Nunangat University. This work includes the determination of location and academic programming, as well the creation of an interim governance body tasked with drafting bylaws, operation policies and the legislation that will ultimately govern the institution.

Directors approved ITK’s Strategic Plan for the period 2024-2028, which serves as the organization’s mandate over the next four years. The plan sets out ITK’s work under seven priority areas, including: strengthening Inuit self-governance; improving access to education and health services; Inuktut revitalization, maintenance and promotion; and continuing to close the Inuit Nunangat infrastructure gap. The plan will be made public in the New Year.

During the Monday meeting, Directors decided on an Inuktut Costing Analysis and Funding Model, a method of structuring funding distribution for Inuktut-language programs and initiative. This work is designed to promote equity and to ensure federal investment is reaching Inuit communities based on their needs.

In 2023-2024, Inuktut language funding from Canadian Heritage was approximately $23 million.The Inuktut costing analysis informed ITK’s 2024 Pre-Budget submission, which seeks $1 billion over 10 years for Inuktut reclamation, revitalization and maintenance.

Directors also adopted a definition for an Inuit business located outside of Inuit Nunangat for the purpose of government procurement. The federal government has committed to ensuring at least five per cent of its contracts are awarded to Indigenous businesses.

NT5