Nunatukavut Embarks on new Community Sustainability Initiative

Nunatukavut Embarks on new Community Sustainability Initiative

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 – HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) today announced a new initiative called “NunatuKavut Community Sustainability Vision 2017.” It supports Southern Inuit in creating a stronger future for their communities.

Three pilot communities – Black Tickle, Norman Bay and St. Lewis – have agreed to participate in the first year of the project. It includes visioning workshops, consultations, leadership initiatives for youth and adults, and learning opportunities. This work will lead to the development of vision and action plans for sustainability and strengthened governance that are tailored for each community.

A three-day workshop is being planned for the end of March to kick off the initiative. This will be the first time that representatives from each of the pilot communities will come together to discuss their community’s achievements, values and vision. They will also brainstorm on how to further and enhance projects already underway.

It is hoped that this sustainability initiative will be expanded to include other communities in NunatuKavut after the initial year.

Quick Facts

• The NunatuKavut Community Sustainability Vision 2017 initiative was funded, in part, through the federal Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

• 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

“This is an exciting project for NCC and our communities throughout NunatuKavut, many of which have had to deal with the long-lasting effects of colonization. Despite this, our people have demonstrated great resiliency and determination in light of this colonial history. The new sustainability initiative is an innovative approach to community development and will assist our communities in having the support and tools they need to not only survive but to flourish. We will celebrate community strengths, value traditional knowledge and work with local residents and experts towards the visioning of a future they want for themselves and the generations to follow.”

• Todd Russell, President of NCC

Associated Links

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

Contact

Kelly Broomfield, Director of Communications, NCC, 709-280-5965