NunatuKavut launches two new significant programs: medical transportation and home repair

Press Release

The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) is proud to announce the launch of two pilot programs that directly contribute to the overall health and well-being of NunatuKavut Inuit and communities.

The Medical Transportation Program is a $1.75 million program that provides financial support to help alleviate some of the travel costs in accessing specialized insured medical services. The maximum amounts annually are up to $5,000 per patient and up to $7,000 per patient with escort(s). This program is open to all members of NCC.

The Home Repair Program is a $1.25 million program that provides funding assistance for individual home repair in NunatuKavut communities. The maximum grant available to homeowners is $11,000. This program is for Full Members – Resident who are the verified owners and occupants of the home and have a combined homeowner income at or below $40,000.

Both programs will start as a one-year pilot with a view to ongoing sustainability. Program staff are in place to assist members in navigating these programs as well as other potential supports. Applications are being accepted immediately. All program details and contact information can be found at www.nunatukavut.ca.

Quick Facts

• NCC is the representative governing body for approximately 6,000 Inuit who reside primarily in south and central Labrador.
• NunatuKavut means “Our Ancient Land” in Inuttitut and is the traditional territory of the Inuit who belong to this territory.
• In July 2018, NCC entered into talks with the Government of Canada on the Recognition of its Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination (RIRSD). In September 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed.
• The Medical Transportation Program and the Home Repair Program are being funded through a NCC-Nalcor agreement signed in July 2019.

Quotes

“On behalf of the NunatuKavut Community Council, I am extremely proud to start the new year with the launch of these two important programs that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of NunatuKavut Inuit and our members. They were developed as a direct response to the needs and priorities that have been identified by our people over many years. We thank all of our people and staff who have been involved in the development of these programs and we look forward to helping as many of our members as possible over the coming year.”

— Todd Russell, President of NCC

Associated Links

• Further information on NCC and these new programs can be found at www.nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at Facebook.com/nunatukavut, Twitter @nunatukavut and YouTube by searching NunatuKavut.

Media Contact

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

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