Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction Holds Annual Meeting in Rankin Inlet

Rankin Inlet, Nunavut (April 20, 2018) – Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) and the Government of Nunavut (GN) chaired the annual meeting of the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction (NRPR) in Rankin Inlet this week.

Over 40 participants came together to discuss the ongoing implementation of Makimaniq 2: A Shared Approach to Poverty Reduction. Discussions included community-based solutions needed to immediately address homelessness and overcrowding in Nunavut communities, as well as the renewal of the Nunavut Food Security Strategy.

“We know that homelessness and food insecurity are realities for too many Nunavummiut. A key priority in our government mandate, Turaaqtavut, is working towards community and social well-being through Inuusivut. I believe that through collaboration we can come up with community solutions that respond to the needs of Nunavummiut for safe and affordable housing and food security” said Minister of Family Services Elisapee Sheutiapik.

The Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction identified a need for a range of welcoming spaces and supports to help people step ahead, Ikur’raq.

“We need to collaboratively work towards a common goal. We need to alleviate burdens carried by those affected by homelessness. Inuit know first-hand that being cold and hungry is one of the hardest experiences to go through”, said James Eetoolook, Co-Chair of the NRPR and VP of NTI.

Roundtable members agreed to go back to their organizations and identify what is available, what is needed, and how communities, organizations, and government can collaborate to create Ikur’raq.

NTI, and Family Services meet monthly to discuss Roundtable initiatives, and this will continue to be a topic of discussion.

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Media Contact for Family Services:

Barb Tierney
Senior Policy Analyst
Department of Family Services
(867) 975-5206
btierney1@gov.nu.ca

Media contact for NTI:

Karen Flaherty
A/Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
(867) 975-4941
kflaherty@tunngavik.com

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