Government of Canada Supports Inuit Women in the Kitikmeot
CAMBRIDGE BAY, Nunavut, November 7, 2012 - An investment in the Kitikmeot Heritage Society will assist in reconnecting Inuit women to their traditional heritage, increasing pride in their culture and creating opportunities for positive participation in community activities. Funding was announced today by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The Mihuqtunga Traditional Sewing Revitalization Project will promote the transmission of cultural knowledge to help reconnect Inuit women to their traditions, language and heritage and strengthen their cultural identity. Under the guidance of elders, young women will learn to sew traditional clothing—a highly valued skill in traditional Inuit culture, since seal and caribou clothing served to ensure survival on the land in the harsh Northern environment. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice their language skills as the unilingual elders will be using Inuinnaqtun to instruct and pass on traditional stories that reflect their people’s history and values.
“This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today.”
“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in our heritage organizations and highlight their important role in preserving Canada’s rich cultural heritage,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “By supporting this initiative, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our younger generations and their engagement in the community.”
“The Mihuqtunga Traditional Sewing Revitalization Project is so important for the Inuit women of Nunavut. Traditional sewing is a skill and an art that must be preserved for the benefit of entire communities,” said Paul Billowes, Programs Manager, Kitikmeot Heritage Society. “We can see the pride and confidence in the young women as they learn traditional knowledge with the elders and improve their sewing skills. This will encourage the youth to keep their language and traditions.”
The Kitikmeot Heritage Society preserves, promotes and celebrates the history, culture, language and diversity of the people of the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. Through the May Hakongak Community Library and Cultural Centre, the Society provides a range of cultural and educational services to people in the Kitikmeot.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $60,000 through the Aboriginal Women’s Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This initiative enables Aboriginal women to influence policies, programs, legislation and decision making that affect social, cultural, economic and political well-being in their communities and in Canadian society. It includes a component to address issues affecting Aboriginal women and their families and strengthen their cultural identity and traditions.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Francine D. Lefebvre
Director of Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204-983-4367
francine.lefebvre@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca