AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 30, 2026
Federal Funding Announced for Inuit Treaty Organizations
The Government of Canada announced on Friday a new allocation of $130 million to Inuit treaty organizations, aiming to improve housing and support services for Inuit communities. Of this amount, more than $32 million is earmarked for Makivvik, the organization representing Inuit in Nunavik, northern Quebec.
Makivvik’s Plans: Focus on Elders’ Home and Transitional Housing
At a press conference in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty, Makivvik President Pita Aatami, and Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty discussed how the newly announced funds will be utilized. According to Aatami, Makivvik’s priorities include the development of a new elders’ home in Kuujjuaq and transitional housing in Montreal.
“This announcement that’s being made is going to go a long way,” said Aatami. However, he noted that both projects are still in the planning phase, with details such as timeline, capacity, and cost yet to be determined. The organization plans to present a proposal to its board of directors in the coming weeks to outline next steps.
Responding to Urgent Needs for Elder Care
The need for new elder care facilities in Kuujjuaq gained urgency after 13 residents in care were relocated to southern Quebec in April due to technical issues with the existing building, which rendered it unsafe. As the largest community in Nunavik, Kuujjuaq provides services to people from across the region. Makivvik’s president emphasized the importance of the new facility to support Nunavik’s aging population and acknowledged that additional funding may be necessary to fully realize both the elders’ home and transitional housing projects.
Expanding Support Through Partnerships
The $130 million in announced funding is described as a “top-up” to previous federal commitments under the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Fund. Minister Rebecca Alty highlighted that this approach—directing funds to Inuit organizations—enables communities to set their own priorities. "Listening to communities, responding to their priorities and working together to deliver practical results that improve people’s lives,” Alty said, underscoring the government’s emphasis on partnership with local organizations.
Funding Distribution Across Inuit Regions
In addition to the allocation for Makivvik, other Inuit treaty organizations will also receive funding: $16.9 million is designated for the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, $15.5 million for the Nunatsiavut government, and $65 million for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. According to Aatami, these amounts were distributed based on population. Representatives from the other organizations were not present at Friday’s announcement, and their specific project plans were not discussed.
Looking Forward: Addressing Housing Gaps
While Friday’s announcement marks a significant step, local leaders like Makivvik’s Pita Aatami hope it serves as a foundation for further projects in Nunavik and beyond. “I hope it’s just the beginning for more projects that we need. We’re much far behind compared to the South,” said Aatami.
Source: cbc.ca.
