IQUALUIT, April 26, 2004 -- The Government of Canada will collaborate with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) to engage their Inuit membership in the political life of their community. This announcement was made today by Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament (Nunavut), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "The Government of Canada committed to working with Aboriginal communities to eliminate barriers that prevent them from playing an active role in our society," said Ms. Karetak-Lindell. "I am pleased to announce this support for the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, so it can continue its important work to ensuring that Inuit people living in remote communities have the opportunities to participate effectively in decision-making processes at various levels of government.""The funding announced today moves us closer to improving Aboriginal peoples' governance within their community," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "I am proud that the Department of Canadian Heritage is able to renew its long-standing partnership with the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to encourage the full participation of the Inuit in all aspects of Canadian society." Funding of $389,667 will allow the ITK to continue its operations as the national voice for 45 000 Inuit people living across Canada, the majority of whom are residents of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), and Labrador. The ITK addresses issues of vital importance to the preservation of Inuit identity, culture, language, and way of life. This funding will allow the ITK to communicate with its membership, and to maintain an office through which it can develop and expand relations with governments and other agencies.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Affairs Branch through the Aboriginal Representative Organizations Program (AROP). The objective of AROP is to maintain a consultative framework of Inuit, Métis, and Non-Status Indian representative organizations through which governments can address the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the lives of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.Funding for this program was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.Information:Susan Scullion Executive Assistant Office of Nancy-Karetak-Lindell (613) 992-2848 Mylène DupéréPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788
