CanNor Supports Development of Nunavut Cultural Industries

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Iqaluit, Nunavut (June 23, 2010) - The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing in the long-term growth and development of Nunavut’s film industry and visual art community.

CanNor has invested $230,000 that includes $140,000 to the Nunavut Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and $90,000 to the Uqqurmuit Inuit Artists Association (UIAA). The announcement was made today by the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).

“Promoting production opportunities in Nunavut will lead to growth in this sector and provide greater economic opportunities for the Inuit,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Investment in the development of the skills and talent of Nunavut artists ensure a strong future for a new generation of Inuit artists.”

"NFDC is very pleased to be receiving this financial assistance from the agency,” states Hal Timar, President of the NFDC Board of Directors. "It is strategic partnerships such as this that will allow Nunavut to take its place as a centre of circumpolar filmmaking excellence.”

“This $90,000 in funding will help fund our artist workshops and the will also go towards the print shop. We would like to thank the government for the funding towards the building,” said Manasie Noah, Chair for the Uqqurmuit Centre.

Funding to the NFDC will allow them to create marketing materials and attend festivals and trade shows to promote the territory’s film, television and media industry. Funding to the UIAA will support two projects: a series of artist workshops and to retrofit their art studio.

These investments are made possible through CanNor’s Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program and the Community Economic Opportunities Program (CEOP). Both programs belong to a suite of economic development programs coordinated and delivered in the three territories by CanNor.

Backgrounder - Support for Nunavut’s Arts and Culture Industries

Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan  and Canada's Northern Strategy.

For further information please contact:

Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
(819) 997-0002

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), NWT Region
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor
(867) 975-4537

Nunavut Film Development Corporation
Cheryl Ashton
CEO, Nunavut Film Development Corporation
(867) 979-3012

Uqqurmiut Inuit Artists Association
Kyra Fisher
General Manager, Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts
(867) 473-8669