Minister Aglukkaq Announces Support for Television Programming in Inuktitut

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT--(Marketwired - May 22, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council, on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced that the Government of Canada is providing $1,375,365 in funding to the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation (IBC).

This funding will support the production of 40 hours of original new television programming to be filmed and aired in Inuktitut.

Quick Facts

• The IBC's television programming is aimed at Inuit living in Nunavut.
• The IBC will produce five series, including "Takuginai," a children's program; "Niqitsiat," a cooking show; "Ilinniq," a documentary series featuring community members; "Qanurli," a comedy series; and "Qanuq Isumavit," a live call-in show on which community members can discuss current events.
• The funding is being provided through the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting funding element of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to support organizations like the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation that help foster the vitality of Aboriginal languages and cultures."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"Our traditional language is an important part of who we are, and I am proud to be part of a government that encourages the use of Inuit traditional languages in Nunavut. With this support, the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation will be able to promote the Inuktitut language through television programming for all ages, directly benefiting Inuit communities."

-The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Minister for the Arctic Council and Member of Parliament (Nunavut)

"IBC is proud to carry on its commitment to promoting and preserving the Inuit language. With the support of the Government of Canada, we will continue to strengthen our language in our homes through the production of television and Web series, reaching all age groups."

-Madeleine d'Argencourt, Chair, Inuit Broadcasting Corporation

Associated Links

Inuit Broadcasting Corporation

Aboriginal Peoples' Program

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An Inuktitut version is available at the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1008454i.pdf