Deadline: 31-Jan-2026
The Department of Culture and Heritage in Nunavut is inviting applications for projects that promote, protect, preserve, and revitalize the territory’s culture, language, arts, and heritage. Funding supports community-based initiatives, heritage programs, intergenerational learning, language preservation, and facility development to ensure Nunavut’s cultural knowledge thrives for future generations.
Overview of the Program
The Department of Culture and Heritage provides grants to support initiatives that strengthen Nunavut’s culture, language, arts, and heritage. The program aims to:
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Empower communities and honour traditions.
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Promote cultural identity and access to cultural resources.
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Preserve and revitalize knowledge and stories for future generations.
Key areas of focus include:
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Heritage Programs: Highlighting local history, cultural knowledge, and traditional practices.
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Inuit Tunngavingit Stream: Fostering intergenerational learning between Elders and youth.
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Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: Supporting projects grounded in Inuit societal values and cultural teachings.
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Language Initiatives: Promoting and strengthening the use of official languages across Nunavut.
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Facility Support: Assisting with development or renovation of public libraries, heritage buildings, and cultural spaces.
Why the Program Matters
Nunavut’s communities face challenges in maintaining cultural knowledge, language use, and heritage preservation. This funding:
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Ensures cultural traditions and societal values are passed to younger generations.
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Provides resources for community-based arts, language, and heritage projects.
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Supports inclusive participation in cultural activities.
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Strengthens public spaces that preserve knowledge and foster learning.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Community-based non-profit organizations.
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Municipal corporations.
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Individuals leading community-focused cultural, language, or heritage projects.
How the Program Works
1. Project Planning
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Identify a project that promotes, protects, preserves, or revitalizes culture, language, arts, or heritage.
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Align proposals with community needs, Inuit values, and intergenerational learning goals.
2. Application Submission
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Complete the grant application including project description, objectives, community impact, and budget.
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Submit through the official Department of Culture and Heritage portal or guidelines provided.
3. Funding Assessment
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Applications are evaluated based on cultural impact, community engagement, alignment with program priorities, and feasibility.
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Preference is given to initiatives that foster intergenerational learning, strengthen Inuit values, or enhance access to cultural resources.
4. Project Implementation
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Funded projects should deliver measurable outcomes, such as enhanced cultural knowledge, preserved heritage sites, or strengthened language use.
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Applicants may be asked to provide progress reports and final outcomes to demonstrate impact.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Submitting proposals without clear community benefit. Tip: Ensure the project responds to specific local needs.
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Mistake: Ignoring Inuit values and intergenerational learning. Tip: Ground projects in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles where possible.
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Mistake: Failing to detail budgets and resource allocation. Tip: Include clear, itemized budgets and implementation plans.
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Mistake: Neglecting language or heritage promotion. Tip: Highlight how the project strengthens cultural, linguistic, or heritage outcomes.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for funding?
Community-based non-profits, municipal corporations, and individuals proposing culturally focused projects in Nunavut.
2. What types of projects are eligible?
Heritage programs, intergenerational learning initiatives, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit-based projects, language promotion, and public library or heritage facility development.
3. Are projects focused on language supported?
Yes, initiatives that promote, protect, or revitalize official languages in Nunavut are eligible.
4. Can individuals apply, or is it limited to organizations?
Both individuals and organizations are eligible, provided projects benefit the wider community.
5. What is the goal of the Inuit Tunngavingit stream?
To create meaningful intergenerational learning opportunities connecting Elders and youth.
6. Are facility development projects eligible?
Yes, including renovation or development of public libraries and heritage buildings.
7. How are applications evaluated?
Based on community impact, cultural preservation, alignment with Inuit values, feasibility, and sustainability.
Conclusion
The Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage funding empowers communities, individuals, and organizations to safeguard and revitalize culture, language, arts, and heritage. By supporting projects that celebrate traditions, foster intergenerational learning, and enhance cultural spaces, the program ensures Nunavut’s rich heritage continues to thrive for future generations.
For more information, visit Government of Nunavut.
