Iqaluit, Nunavut – February 10, 2021 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is distributing $510,000 to Sanikiluaq, a community impacted by COVID-19.

“Sanikiluaq faced active COVID-19 cases in November 2020” says QIA President P.J. Akeeagok “this support is one way to show the community that we recognize and appreciate their efforts and perseverance in stopping the spread of COVID-19.”

This support is part of the third round of QIA’s COVID-19 initiatives, QIA has allocated $663,665 for Sanikiluaq as an impacted community. This includes:

• $100,000 to the Sanikiluaq Hunters and Trappers Association to support food sovereignty
• $410,000 in grocery cards and food hampers in January and February 2021
• $152,000 in food hampers in December 2020 as an early benefit before Christmas

QIA is delivering this benefit to Sanikiluaq in partnership with Arctic Co-operatives Limited, who is helping with food distribution.

The funds for QIA’s COVID-19 response plan come from the phase three of the Indigenous Community Support Fund (ICSF) announced by the Federal Government. QIA’s share of that fund is $2,008,101.

For more information, please contact:

Will Hopkins, Acting Director of Communications,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
whopkins@qia.ca
867.975.8413 or
1.800.667.2742