Rankin Inlet,
Nunuvat (May 29, 2003) Atuqtuarvik Corporation
of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, is increasing
its financial commitment to Nunavut students
through the Foundation for the Advancement
of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY), Canada’s
oldest general interest scholarship and
bursary program for Aboriginal youth.
Established
in 1994, FAAY has awarded almost $1,000,000
to more than 720 Aboriginal students in
all areas of study.
“This
scholarship program works by extending hope,
opportunity and tangible recognition to
many young Inuit. Atuqtuarvik Corporation’s
sponsorship will be a significant and tangible
demonstration of our commitment to building
capacity in Nunavut communities”,
said John Hickes, Chairperson.
“Supporting
FAAY is a great way for Atuqtuarvik Corporation
to invest in the future of Nunavut youth,” said
Ken Toner, President and CEO. “This
support will benefit our Corporation by
helping to train and educate the next generation
of Nunavut leaders, and those are the people
we will do business with.”
The increased
funding from Atuqtuarvik Corporation will
allow FAAY to provide four scholarships
of $2500 per year for post-secondary students
and eight bursaries of $750 per year for
secondary students in each of the next two
years. All will be directed to students
enrolled as beneficiaries under the Nunavut
Land Claims Agreement. Scholarship recipients
can be enrolled in any program of studies
at any accredited educational institution
in Canada. Bursary recipients must be enrolled
in Nunavut High Schools.
“Atuqtuarvik Corporation is setting an example that I urge other Aboriginal
businesses to follow,” said Jocelyne Soulodre, President and CEO of the
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB). “They were the first Nunavut-based
company to make a contribution to FAAY – they are the only Aboriginal company
to come forward and lend a hand. As Aboriginal businesses grow and prosper, we
need them to join Atuqtuarvik Corporation and our other fine sponsors who are
investing in the future of our community.”
CCAB is Canada’s
leading organization dedicated to promoting
the full participation of Aboriginal people
in the Canadian economy.
Atuqtuarvik
Corporation is an investment and loan fund
created by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
and Nunavut Trust to help ensure direct
Inuit participation in major economic opportunities.
The Corporation provides loans and equity
funding to Inuit-owned businesses for the
purpose of business start-up, acquisition
and expansion.
Short biographies of Nunavut students sponsored by FAAY and Atuqtuarvik Corporation
in 2002-03 are attached.
Find out more
about FAAY and CCAB on the World Wide Web
at www.ccab.com or www.aboriginalbiz.com.
For information:
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