Northern Strategy
Bolstering gender justice efforts in Canada’s North begins with forming strong community relationships and better understanding of the uniqueness of the region.
In partnership with MakeWay Foundation, we have been honoured to support the launch of a Northern Women and Girls Advisory Committee with representatives from Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. This dynamic Committee provides leadership in Northern grantmaking and has opened doors so the Foundation can support five excellent initiatives:
Northern Birthwork Collective, as it starts up and creates an Accessible Doula Support Program and Indigenous Doula Training. It will offer culturally safe, gender-inclusive, whole-family and one-on-one care, as well as work to increase the number of doulas across the territory and revitalize traditional birth and perinatal practices.
Akpaliapik Program of Ilitaqsiniq – Nunavut Literacy Council, to be piloted in Rankin Inlet to help girls 9 to 13 gain life skills and mentorship and confidence-building opportunities, based on four Inuit Maligait principles working for the common good, maintaining harmony and balance, respecting all living things and continually planning and preparing for the future.
Messy Book Program of Arctic Rose Foundation, as it expands reach and benefits to girls and young people aged 12 to 19 in North Qikiqtaaluk, Arctic Bay, and Pond Inlet through an after-school program.
The Kitikmeot Heritage Society will offer a program for women and girls to learn the sewing and skin-preparation techniques to make a traditional Kalikuk parka. These skills have been integral to the survival and artistic expression of the Innuinait culture The program will also create a safe space for conversations, self-care, and connections with community elders.
The Ilitaqsiniq – Nunavut Literacy Council’s Ajuungi Anaanas pilot program in Rankin Inlet empowers diverse mothers with parenting skills, connecting them with role models, mentors, and community resources. It is grounded in traditional Inuit principles and values.