Latest news with #BibiaNàtsätKu
CBC
14-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Indigenous midwifery services 'really essential' in Yukon, prize-winning group says
Social Sharing The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) says the next step for its Indigenous midwifery program, thanks to some new prize money, is to purchase a space that will serve as home to the program and expand its services. "It's really essential," said Shadelle Chambers, executive director of CYFN. "We know that the other northern jurisdictions and other jurisdictions across Canada have been expanding Indigenous midwifery services over the last number of decades — so, really important in terms of revitalizing cultural practices." On Tuesday, the organization's Bibia Nàtsät Ku project was named the big winner of this year's $1-million Arctic Inspiration Prize. The money will go toward opening a new, dedicated facility in Whitehorse where Yukon First Nations elders and midwives could offer sexual and reproductive health care, including birthing services. It would also offer training for Indigenous students. Chambers says the program has been "building a lot of capacity" over the last few years, such as training a couple of dozen Indigenous doulas. They also hope to have a Yukon First Nations midwife on the team soon. Chambers says it's all about bringing back more traditional birthing practices and ceremony. "What we want to do is ensure that people have culturally safe services. We know that, historically, that many clinical services are deeply entrenched in racism and discrimination, just based on historical practices and legacies," she said. "So many of our families actually often don't get the supports and services they need because of that history." Other prize winners 'insanely hyped' In all, 12 projects across the North won Arctic Inspiration Prize money on Tuesday, totalling $3.7 million. Each year, the prize money is awarded to projects in education, health, culture, arts, language, science, traditional knowledge, climate change and the economy. Among the other winners this year are an Inuit-led education program for neurodiverse and marginalized youth in Nunavut, a Yellowknife-based project to empower youth through land-based learning, and a project in Nunavik to address food insecurity and strengthen cultural practices through harvesting camps. One of the winners in the youth category was a youth dog-sledding program in Inuvik, N.W.T. The Uniaraqtuq project is receiving $100,000 for training youth in dog sledding and other traditional skills, and for a documentary about the work. Tamara Kaglik, 19, is one of the teens working on the project. She says she was "insanely hyped" to learn they'd won the prize. "I was about to cry. I started jumping around. Oh my goodness," she said. The group already does some programming at a site outside of Inuvik and they hope to now maybe build a cabin out there for multi-day stays. Along with dog-sledding, they do things like fishing, hide-stretching, canoeing, kayaking and muskrat-trapping. "I have grown up with like a lack of access to all of the things we need to be on our land in these modern times, you know. Because it can be really expensive to get a boat, Ski-doo, gas money" said Kaglik.
CBC
13-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Yukon group wins $1M Arctic Inspiration Prize for Indigenous midwifery centre
A project focused on Indigenous midwifery and reproductive health care in the Yukon is the big winner of this year's $1-million Arctic Inspiration Prize, with the money set to go toward building a new facility in Whitehorse. It's one of several projects from across the North that were named as Arctic Inspiration Prize winners at a gala ceremony in Ottawa on Tuesday afternoon. The finalists were announced last month. Apart from the $1-million grand prize, other projects will get anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 in funding. The Arctic Inspiration Prize awards millions of dollars each year to projects in education, health, culture, arts, language, science, traditional knowledge, climate change and the economy. A total of $3.7 million was awarded this year. The largest prize will go toward a project led by the Council of Yukon First Nations called Bibia Nàtsät Ku. It would open a house in Whitehorse where Yukon First Nations elders and midwives could offer sexual and reproductive health care, including birthing services. It would also offer training for Indigenous students. Charlene Charlie, a member of the Bibia Nàtsät Ku team said in a statement on Tuesday that the prize represents a "turning point." "It means we can begin building a house of care that honours our ways of knowing, our languages, and our futures," she said. "This will not only transform sexual and reproductive health care delivery in the Yukon, but will also influence systemic change across the Arctic — helping to shape safer, more culturally appropriate care for Indigenous communities throughout the North." Other prize winners announced on Tuesday include: $500,000 for a Nunavut-based, Inuit-led education program for neurodiverse and marginalized youth by the Pirurqatigiit Resource Centre. $500,000 for a mentorship and leadership program for elders in Nunavut's Kitikmeot region. $233,000 for a nutrition and education program in Baker Lake, Nunavut, aimed at combating Type 2 diabetes rates. $500,000 for Cheko, a Yellowknife-based project to empower youth through land-based learning, mentorship, and entrepreneurship skills. $425,000 for a project led by the Qimutjuit Men's Association in Nunavik to address food insecurity and strengthen cultural practices through harvesting camps. Six winners were also announced in the youth category, with each project receiving $100,000 except one, a traditional beading and sewing program in Nunavut, which will receive $90,000. The $100,000 prize winners in the youth category are: A documentary about a youth dog sledding club in the Beaufort Delta region. The Dehcho Youth Energy Action Council, which draws on Dene knowledge to find climate solutions. A pan-northern youth gathering to find solutions for issues related to mental health, education and environment. The Northern Laughter Movement, which uses humour and storytelling as tools for wellness and leadership. A documentary project about the impacts of climate change on traditional hunting practices among Gwich'in in the Peel watershed region.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Arctic Inspiration Prize awards over $3.7 million to 12 teams leading change across the North
OTTAWA, ON, May 13, 2025 /CNW/ - Twelve Northern-led teams were celebrated today as laureates of the 2025 Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP), receiving over $3.7 million in recognition of their bold, community-driven projects. The awards ceremony took place this afternoon at the Rogers Centre (formerly the Shaw Centre) in Ottawa, where laureates were honoured alongside powerful performances by Northern artists under the artistic direction of Sylvia Cloutier. Her Excellency The Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, opened the celebration, joined by leaders and partners from across Inuit Nunangat, the territories, and the North. Honoured guests included Premier P.J. Akeeagok; Premier Ranj Pillai; Senators Nancy Karetak-Lindell and Margaret Dawn Anderson; Minister Pamela Gross, Natan Obed (President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), Jeremy Tunraluk (President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.), Johannes Lampe (President, Nunatsiavut), and Duane Smith (President, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation). Their presence reflected the pan-Northern support and shared commitment to empowering community-led solutions. "This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Arctic Inspiration Prize — and every year we continue to see the deep and lasting impact these projects have on Northern communities," said Wally Schumann, Chair of the AIP Charitable Trust. "These are not one-off ideas. They are long-term, Northern-led solutions that strengthen language, culture, wellness, and opportunity. They are rooted in self-determination and guided by the people who live and lead in the North." This year's largest prize — $1 million — was awarded to Bibia Nàtsät Ku: A Movement to Reclaim Yukon First Nations Midwifery and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, a groundbreaking initiative to establish a culturally rooted birth and reproductive health centre in Whitehorse. The Ku (house) will be led by Yukon First Nations and offer Elder-guided, traditional and Western care for Indigenous families across the region. "We know our families thrive when they have access to safe, culturally connected care — and that includes bringing birth back to our communities," said Charlene Charlie, member of the Bibia Nàtsät Ku team. "This prize is not just recognition — it's a turning point. It means we can begin building a house of care that honours our ways of knowing, our languages, and our futures. This will not only transform sexual and reproductive health care delivery in the Yukon, but will also influence systemic change across the Arctic — helping to shape safer, more culturally appropriate care for Indigenous communities throughout the North." The 2025 celebration featured a three-part performance reflecting seasonal cycles and traditional knowledge. Highlights included the story of a Dene hunter witnessing an animal transformation on the land, told through circus and music; a powerful operatic interpretation of Nuliajuk, the Inuit guardian of sea animals, performed by Deantha Edmunds and emerging Nunavut singer Princess Autut; and a spring finale with Kathy Snowball of Nunavik performing L'amour, honouring light, renewal, and the environment. A full list of the 2025 laureates and project details follows below. About the Arctic Inspiration Prize The Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) is Canada's largest annual prize, celebrating and enabling Northern-led achievements across the fields of education; health and wellbeing; culture, arts and language; science and traditional knowledge; climate change; food security; and the economy. Each year, the AIP awards: one $1 million prize, up to four prizes of up to $500,000 each, and up to seven youth prizes of up to $100,000 each. The AIP is owned and governed by the northern-led AIP Charitable Trust and is supported by a broad network of partners from the North and South. The Rideau Hall Foundation is proud to serve as the southern operational support partner of the Arctic Inspiration Prize. 2025 Arctic Inspiration Prize Laureates $1 Million Category Bibia Nàtsät Ku: A Movement to Reclaim Yukon First Nations Midwifery and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (Yukon) Amount: $1,000,000 Led by Yukon First Nations, this initiative will establish a Ku (house) in Whitehorse offering Indigenous-led midwifery and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (SRHC) services. Grounded in Elder knowledge and workforce development, it will reshape care delivery in the Yukon and beyond. This project aims to create a culturally connected, Elder-guided care environment, rooted in traditional knowledge and Indigenous values, which will serve as a model for other regions across the North. Learn more Up to $500,000 Category (AIP) Ajunngittutit (Nunavut) Amount: $500,000 An Inuit-led alternative education program for neurodiverse and marginalized youth by Pirurqatigiit Resource Centre. It combines Inuktut revitalization, land-based learning, and hands-on skills to create inclusive environments that support neurodiverse youth in achieving their full potential. Learn more Baker Lake Community Diabetes Prevention and Nutrition Program (Nunavut) Amount: $223,000 A community-based initiative to combat rising Type 2 diabetes through traditional Inuit practices, health education, and local empowerment. This project emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions and culturally relevant approaches to addressing chronic health challenges. Learn more Kitikmeot Community Elder Training Program (Nunavut) Amount: $500,000 Supports the next generation of Elders in Inuinnait communities through mentorship, cultural education, and leadership rooted in traditional values. This program aims to build leadership skills in younger generations, preserving Inuit knowledge and traditions. Learn more Reviving Inuit Cultural and Traditional Values (Nunavik) Amount: $425,000 Led by the Qimutjuit Men's Association, this project brings youth and Elders together through harvesting camps to address food insecurity and strengthen cultural practices. The program focuses on reviving traditional skills, promoting food sovereignty, and fostering intergenerational relationships. Learn more Cheko – Youth Empowerment Project (Northwest Territories) Amount: $500,000 Based in Yellowknife, Cheko provides Indigenous youth with land-based learning, mentorship, and entrepreneurship skills to build careers and self-determined futures. The project's goal is to empower young people with the tools they need to thrive in both their cultural and professional lives. Learn more Youth Category (up to $100,000 each) Traditional Sewing and Beading Program (Nunavut) Amount: $90,000 Youth-led workshops guided by Elders to teach traditional skills and pass on ancestral knowledge while building connection and creativity. These workshops promote cultural pride and provide youth with important life skills while nurturing artistic expression. Learn more Uniaraqtuq: A Youth Dog Sledding Club in the Beaufort Delta (Inuvialuit Settlement Region) Amount: $100,000 Combines Inuvialuktun and Gwich'in language learning, wellness, and culture through dog sledding. A documentary will follow the club's journey, providing an opportunity to share the rich cultural history and language of the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in communities with broader audiences. Learn more Dehcho Youth Energy Action Council (DYEAC) – Empowering Future Leaders in Clean Energy (Northwest Territories) Amount: $100,000 Trains youth in clean energy leadership by integrating Dene knowledge and technical skills to advance culturally aligned climate solutions. The project focuses on creating sustainable energy solutions while empowering youth to lead the way in addressing climate change. Learn more Empowering Northern Voices: A Youth Gathering for Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut (Pan-Northern) Amount: $100,000 A pan-territorial youth gathering focused on advocacy, leadership, and community-based solutions on mental health, education, and the environment. This gathering aims to amplify youth voices across the North and equip them with the tools they need to advocate for their communities. Learn more The Northern Laughter Movement (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut) Amount: $100,000 A wellness and leadership program that uses humour and storytelling to build confidence, connection, and healing among Northern youth. This initiative harnesses the power of laughter and community to promote mental health and resilience. Learn more Wisdom from the Watershed (Inuvialuit Settlement Region) Amount: $100,000 A documentary project following young Gwich'in hunters in the Peel Watershed to document climate change through intergenerational learning and land-based stories. The project seeks to capture the ongoing impact of climate change on traditional hunting practices while preserving cultural heritage. Learn more SOURCE Rideau Hall Foundation View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
13-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Arctic Inspiration Prize awards over $3.7 million to 12 teams leading change across the North Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 13, 2025 /CNW/ - Twelve Northern-led teams were celebrated today as laureates of the 2025 Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP), receiving over $3.7 million in recognition of their bold, community-driven projects. The awards ceremony took place this afternoon at the Rogers Centre (formerly the Shaw Centre) in Ottawa, where laureates were honoured alongside powerful performances by Northern artists under the artistic direction of Sylvia Cloutier. Her Excellency The Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, opened the celebration, joined by leaders and partners from across Inuit Nunangat, the territories, and the North. Honoured guests included Premier P.J. Akeeagok; Premier Ranj Pillai; Senators Nancy Karetak-Lindell and Margaret Dawn Anderson; Minister Pamela Gross, Natan Obed (President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), Jeremy Tunraluk (President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.), Johannes Lampe (President, Nunatsiavut), and Duane Smith (President, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation). Their presence reflected the pan-Northern support and shared commitment to empowering community-led solutions. "This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Arctic Inspiration Prize — and every year we continue to see the deep and lasting impact these projects have on Northern communities," said Wally Schumann, Chair of the AIP Charitable Trust. "These are not one-off ideas. They are long-term, Northern-led solutions that strengthen language, culture, wellness, and opportunity. They are rooted in self-determination and guided by the people who live and lead in the North." This year's largest prize — $1 million — was awarded to Bibia Nàtsät Ku: A Movement to Reclaim Yukon First Nations Midwifery and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, a groundbreaking initiative to establish a culturally rooted birth and reproductive health centre in Whitehorse. The Ku (house) will be led by Yukon First Nations and offer Elder-guided, traditional and Western care for Indigenous families across the region. "We know our families thrive when they have access to safe, culturally connected care — and that includes bringing birth back to our communities," said Charlene Charlie, member of the Bibia Nàtsät Ku team. "This prize is not just recognition — it's a turning point. It means we can begin building a house of care that honours our ways of knowing, our languages, and our futures. This will not only transform sexual and reproductive health care delivery in the Yukon, but will also influence systemic change across the Arctic — helping to shape safer, more culturally appropriate care for Indigenous communities throughout the North." The 2025 celebration featured a three-part performance reflecting seasonal cycles and traditional knowledge. Highlights included the story of a Dene hunter witnessing an animal transformation on the land, told through circus and music; a powerful operatic interpretation of Nuliajuk, the Inuit guardian of sea animals, performed by Deantha Edmunds and emerging Nunavut singer Princess Autut; and a spring finale with Kathy Snowball of Nunavik performing L'amour, honouring light, renewal, and the environment. A full list of the 2025 laureates and project details follows below. About the Arctic Inspiration Prize The Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) is Canada's largest annual prize, celebrating and enabling Northern-led achievements across the fields of education; health and wellbeing; culture, arts and language; science and traditional knowledge; climate change; food security; and the economy. Each year, the AIP awards: one $1 million prize, up to four prizes of up to $500,000 each, and up to seven youth prizes of up to $100,000 each. The AIP is owned and governed by the northern-led AIP Charitable Trust and is supported by a broad network of partners from the North and South. The Rideau Hall Foundation is proud to serve as the southern operational support partner of the Arctic Inspiration Prize. 2025 Arctic Inspiration Prize Laureates $1 Million Category Bibia Nàtsät Ku: A Movement to Reclaim Yukon First Nations Midwifery and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (Yukon) Amount: $1,000,000 Led by Yukon First Nations, this initiative will establish a Ku (house) in Whitehorse offering Indigenous-led midwifery and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (SRHC) services. Grounded in Elder knowledge and workforce development, it will reshape care delivery in the Yukon and beyond. This project aims to create a culturally connected, Elder-guided care environment, rooted in traditional knowledge and Indigenous values, which will serve as a model for other regions across the North. Learn more Up to $500,000 Category (AIP) Ajunngittutit (Nunavut) Amount: $500,000 An Inuit-led alternative education program for neurodiverse and marginalized youth by Pirurqatigiit Resource Centre. It combines Inuktut revitalization, land-based learning, and hands-on skills to create inclusive environments that support neurodiverse youth in achieving their full potential. Learn more Baker Lake Community Diabetes Prevention and Nutrition Program (Nunavut) Amount: $223,000 A community-based initiative to combat rising Type 2 diabetes through traditional Inuit practices, health education, and local empowerment. This project emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions and culturally relevant approaches to addressing chronic health challenges. Learn more Kitikmeot Community Elder Training Program (Nunavut) Amount: $500,000 Supports the next generation of Elders in Inuinnait communities through mentorship, cultural education, and leadership rooted in traditional values. This program aims to build leadership skills in younger generations, preserving Inuit knowledge and traditions. Learn more Reviving Inuit Cultural and Traditional Values (Nunavik) Amount: $425,000 Led by the Qimutjuit Men's Association, this project brings youth and Elders together through harvesting camps to address food insecurity and strengthen cultural practices. The program focuses on reviving traditional skills, promoting food sovereignty, and fostering intergenerational relationships. Learn more Cheko – Youth Empowerment Project (Northwest Territories) Amount: $500,000 Based in Yellowknife, Cheko provides Indigenous youth with land-based learning, mentorship, and entrepreneurship skills to build careers and self-determined futures. The project's goal is to empower young people with the tools they need to thrive in both their cultural and professional lives. Learn more Youth Category (up to $100,000 each) Traditional Sewing and Beading Program (Nunavut) Amount: $90,000 Youth-led workshops guided by Elders to teach traditional skills and pass on ancestral knowledge while building connection and creativity. These workshops promote cultural pride and provide youth with important life skills while nurturing artistic expression. Learn more Uniaraqtuq: A Youth Dog Sledding Club in the Beaufort Delta (Inuvialuit Settlement Region) Amount: $100,000 Combines Inuvialuktun and Gwich'in language learning, wellness, and culture through dog sledding. A documentary will follow the club's journey, providing an opportunity to share the rich cultural history and language of the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in communities with broader audiences. Learn more Dehcho Youth Energy Action Council (DYEAC) – Empowering Future Leaders in Clean Energy (Northwest Territories) Amount: $100,000 Trains youth in clean energy leadership by integrating Dene knowledge and technical skills to advance culturally aligned climate solutions. The project focuses on creating sustainable energy solutions while empowering youth to lead the way in addressing climate change. Learn more Empowering Northern Voices: A Youth Gathering for Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut (Pan-Northern) Amount: $100,000 A pan-territorial youth gathering focused on advocacy, leadership, and community-based solutions on mental health, education, and the environment. This gathering aims to amplify youth voices across the North and equip them with the tools they need to advocate for their communities. Learn more The Northern Laughter Movement (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut) Amount: $100,000 A wellness and leadership program that uses humour and storytelling to build confidence, connection, and healing among Northern youth. This initiative harnesses the power of laughter and community to promote mental health and resilience. Learn more Wisdom from the Watershed (Inuvialuit Settlement Region) Amount: $100,000 A documentary project following young Gwich'in hunters in the Peel Watershed to document climate change through intergenerational learning and land-based stories. The project seeks to capture the ongoing impact of climate change on traditional hunting practices while preserving cultural heritage. Learn more
