Categories of Funding

Makigiaqta expects to spend the largest amounts of the fund on expanding the delivery of learning and employment programs, particularly those that support the current working age population.

The purpose of these large investments directly in services is to mitigate the impacts of past insufficiencies in the learning and employment programs and other supports that have been available to Inuit. It is expected that eventually such mitigation will not be needed, as the major service providers will improve regularly core-funded learning programs for the next generation.

For example, Makigiaqta will make a large investment in foundational skills development for adults who are currently disengaged from the workforce, but expects that the need for such “remedial” programs will decrease as early learning and the K-12 system are strengthened for the next generation. Some of these investments will cover the full cost of a program, while others will leverage equivalent investments from major stakeholders, such as government.

Makigiaqta will look for opportunities to invest in the capability of organizations, including Inuit and non-governmental organizations, businesses, as well as the Governments of Nunavut and Canada, to deliver Inuit-specific learning and employment programs and related supports. The purpose of this type of investment is to support innovation and foster permanent improvements in the programs, services, policies, and processes of these organizations, to better support Inuit interests for generations to come, long after the life of Makigiaqta.

This type of investment could include the start-up costs of a new program or service, such as researching, developing, delivering, and evaluating pilot programs, training trainers, or developing learning materials. With this type of investment, Makigiaqta would not necessarily pay for the delivery of programs or services directly, but would use its resources to foster innovation and improvements.

Makigiaqta will conduct and commission research and analysis of programs, services, and systems related to learning and employment in Nunavut, including the impacts of broader socio-economic factors on Inuit employment. Makigiaqta will identify current or emerging barriers, strengths, and opportunities in relation to Inuit employment from a perspective grounded in the needs and interests of Inuit.

Makigiaqta will use the research to inform its own investments and long-term planning. It will also use the research to:

• Promote increased knowledge among governments and other service providers and employers about the needs and interests of Inuit;
• Ensure that Makigiaqta and its partners are aware of existing evidence and programs to make the most of limited resources and avoid gaps or duplication; and,
• Support the development, adaptation and sharing of tools, techniques, and content related to learning and employment programs for Inuit.