Cannor Invests in Inuvialuit Traditions and Tourism

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Inuvik, Northwest Territories (May 7, 2010) –Northerners will prosper from community-level economic development and tourism initiatives thanks to an investment by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, today announced the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) will receive $1.4 million for the Nalukatuk economic development initiative. The IRC supports community economic revitalization through Nalukatuk by targeting three complementary areas of Inuvialuit activity: traditional crafts, fine art and tourism development.

“Our government is proud to support the Nalukatuk in traditional activities such as sewing and carving, and proud to help artist display their exceptional traditions through emerging opportunities like tourism,” said Minister Strahl, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

“This initiative is integral to improving the lives of Inuvialuit in the region," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health. "Community Beautification projects and upgrades to existing tourism destinations will compliment the brilliant geography of the region, and support long-term growth."

"From cultural camps and soapstone harvesting to traditional arts and crafts, the Nalukatuk project will not only create meaningful employment in our communities but provide a tangible link between traditional skills and today's economy,” said Nellie Cournoyea, Chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

“These are community-driven initiatives developed in partnership between the Inuvialuit community corporations, our regional Community Economic Development Organization and GNWT Industry, Tourism and Investment.  Representing IRC's regional approach to economic development, each component is intended to leave healthy, self-sustaining legacies," Cournoyea said.

 Investment in this project is made possible through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.  The fund will invest $32.8 million in all three territories through 2011. 

CAF is one of several of economic development programs within CanNor which is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada’s economic development activities in the territories, and for related policy development, research and advocacy. 

Backgrounder - Canada Supports Economic Development in the Delta Region

For copies of CanNor news releases, visit: http://www.cannor.gc.ca.

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, NWT Region
Petra White
Communications Advisor
(867) 669-2580

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
Peggy Jay
Communications Advisor
(867) 777-2737