NTI’s Housing Summit Concludes in Iqaluit

(November 23, 2022, Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s (NTI) Housing Summit wrapped up today after two days of discussion amongst leaders and partners from across Nunavut, Inuit Nunangat and the governments of Nunavut and Canada on how best to collaborate to address the housing crisis in Nunavut and across Inuit Nunangat.

Approximately 150 participants gathered to discuss a wide range of housing related issues around the theme of intergovernmental collaboration, and urged by NTI Vice President, James Eetoolook, to take this opportunity to make a real impact on communities, families, and individuals across Inuit Nunangat – to help ensure they have safe, healthy, and affordable homes. Federal Minister of Crown and Indigenous Relations, Marc Miller, joined in welcoming the delegates to the Housing Summit where he touched on the Government of Canada’s commitment to collaboration including through initiatives like the Inuit Nunangat Policy.

Inuit leaders including NTI President Aluki Kotierk, Nunatsiavut Government President Johannes Lampe, Makivvik President Pita Aatami, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed, as well as from Government of Nunavut Ministers, Hon. Margaret Nakashuk and Hon. John Main kicked off the panel discussions by focusing on how success in addressing the housing crisis looks like to them and how we will know that we have solved the housing crisis in Inuit Nunangat.

Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal and Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen also spoke to the summit delegates through video messages about their commitments to housing.

The delegates were presented with two significant housing initiatives currently underway in Nunavut. NTI President Aluki Kotierk shared the work for Inuit by Inuit to develop Angirratsaliulauqta – the Nunavut Inuit Housing Action Plan and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok provided an overview of Nunavut 3000, the GN’s plan to build 3,000 housing units by the year 2030.

The summit was also a chance to take a closer look at local issues related to the current housing crisis. Representatives from the Uquutaq Society and YWCA Agvik Nunavut spoke about the issue of homelessness and shelters.

In attempting to better tackle the housing shortage, efforts are being made to better understand the situation in Inuit Nunangat. The delegates were able to learn more about the challenges and approaches to assessing housing needs across Inuit regions and work that NTI is leading to develop the Nunavut Inuit Sustainable Housing Index (NISHI).

Day two saw participants discussing the important issue of distinctions-based funding and the role it plays in addressing the housing crisis and the relationship between the federal government and Inuit. Presentations were also made on federally-led housing initiatives under the National Housing Strategy and opportunities to work more directly and collaboratively with Inuit Nunangat on the co-design of future housing initiatives.

The summit also provided an opportunity to look at the capacity needs for Inuit and communities around preparing the workforce for construction and capacity development in terms of meeting these needs now and into the future.

NTI’s Housing Summit marked an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and provide a foundation that participants could build on for greater co-operation, co-ordination around housing across Inuit Nunangat among all partners including all governments and Inuit organizations.

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Contact:

Kevin Kablutsiak
Director, Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
media@tunngavik.com
Tel: (867) 975-4900 / Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006

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