Iqaluit, Nunavut – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq is pleased that the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) has announced the Government of Canada’s support for a comprehensive six-year research project focused on documenting and profiling Canada’s Inuit leadership throughout history.
This unique project titled, Northern Communities: Towards Social and Economic Prosperity, will work to establish a body of critical knowledge on Canada’s Inuit leaders that will be used to influence, educate and inspire young Inuit across the North to become the leaders of tomorrow. It will also ensure the preservation of Inuit culture, language and history that play a significant role in Nunavut’s governance.

This project, led by Université Laval’s Interuniversity Centre for Aboriginal Studies and Research in partnership with researchers from universities and colleges across Canada, will receive $1 million over six years through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada’s Community-University Research Alliances program. This funding brings communities and universities together in partnership to build knowledge in areas affecting Canadians.

The Community–University Research Alliances grants support joint research projects between researchers based at post-secondary institutions and community-based organizations. The projects focus on a wide range of issues of importance to Canadians, such as community food security, Inuit leadership, employment innovations and the impact of co-operatives.

Each project enhances students’ education and employability by providing them with opportunities to build their knowledge, expertise and work skills through hands-on research and related experience.

For the full list of Community–University Research Alliances grants, visit the Social Sciences and Humanties Research Council website (www.sshrc.ca).