Iqaluit, Nunavut (July 9, 2014) – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is announcing the upcoming launch of the Ilagiiktunut Fund. The Ilagiiktunut Fund is an element of the Mary River Project Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement and has been established by the joint contributions of both Baffinland Iron Mine Corporation (BIMC) and the QIA. The Fund itself will be administered by QIA. The official launch of the Fund will take place on July 9, 2014 in concert with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s Nunavut Day Celebrations.

QIA works to ensure that communities have opportunities to be more prepared for the types of changes that are coming as a result of Major Resource Development within our Region. “Establishing this Fund is one way to enable Inuit to address community priorities” said Okalik Eegeesiak, President.

The Ilagiiktunut Fund Proposal Submission Guidelines and Application Package will be officially released as part of the Launch and will be available at the QIA office, at www.qia.ca and also available through QIA Community Liaison Officers within identified communities. The Fund will issue calls for proposal twice a year, to ensure continued opportunities are provided.

The QIA President will be available to media for a short period following the announcement. Additional information about the Ilagiiktunut Fund can be found in a Backgrounder being made available to media and the public at the time of the event and also on the QIA website.

– 30 –

For further information, please contact:

Malaya Qaunirq Chapman
Media Advisor
Tel: (867) 975-8438
Fax: (867) 979-3238

E-mail: mqchapman@qia.ca