This text is part of the special section Philanthropy
Annauma aims to improve the connection between philanthropic donations and initiatives led by the territory’s Inuit communities.
Launched at the beginning of April, the Annauma community foundation aims to increase the leverage effect of philanthropy tenfold to help community initiatives in the northern territory develop and to contribute to the quality of life of Inuit communities.
The foundation thus seeks to remedy the lack of structures to bridge the gap between projects in the north of the country and potential collaborators in the south, whether they are philanthropists, partner companies or civil servants. While several foundations in the south of the country are already working with indigenous populations, Annauma wishes to focus on Nunavut.
“This is an opportunity for communities and organizations [philanthropiques] work together, while ensuring that the decisions are made by the communities,” explains Virginia Mearns, senior director of Inuit relations at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and member of the board of directors of the Annauma community foundation, over the phone. The name of the foundation is also a diminutive of the word annaumakkaijiitwhich means “helping people stay ahead”.
“In southern Canada, there are several organizations that could contribute to our projects,” continues Virginia Mearns, who is delighted with the curiosity and interest in societal issues and northern initiatives among donors.
The foundation could thus ensure better funding for food bank initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity. Scholarships related to education could in particular financially support Inuit students or initiatives aimed at teaching traditional knowledge and activities to young people in the communities, illustrates Mr.me Mearns.
A first campaign of 10 million
The launch of Annauma was also accompanied by a $10 million fundraising campaign. So far, 4.6 million has been collected from various donors. The latter are made up of philanthropic organizations, but also of individuals wishing to make regular or sporadic donations. The funds raised will be distributed through scholarship programs. The first program aims to invest in projects relating to education or knowledge.
The foundation will dedicate its financial support to Inuit-led initiatives that have the potential to improve the lives of communities in the territory. Donors can invest in the areas of their choice, such as Inuit youth and childhood, community health and well-being, education and learning, or arts and cultures.
Fighting on several fronts
Despite progress in Nunavut, many families still need support to meet some of their basic needs, such as safety, housing and food, as well as to maintain cultural identity and language, the foundation says on its website. website.
The effects of climate change are being felt more in Nunavut than anywhere else in the world. In recent years, the capital, Iqaluit, has faced drinking water shortages, including in 2021, when the city’s water supplies were contaminated with hydrocarbons. These events further weaken the territory’s health infrastructure, as tuberculosis epidemics have been declared in recent months. Household food insecurity is 57% in Nunavut — more than four times the national average, according to a comprehensive study by the Library of Parliament released in 2020.
The challenges ahead are many. To achieve this, the Annauma community foundation relies on the financial support of local initiatives.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.