In January, CFC announced 126 feminist organizations funded through the Fund for Gender Equality supported by a $3.5M investment by the Government of Canada. 

As part of this initiative, we worked to actively deliver a designated $120,000 across the territories and Inuit Nunangat to expand the Fund’s reach and impact and advance gender equality in Northern communities. 

Through this funding, we are pleased to support the following organizations and projects through 2022: 

• Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle (WAWC) in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Yukon. WAWC provides Aboriginal women in Whitehorse access to culturally relevant programs, projects and supports in a safe space that enrich the community through cultures, governments and economies. The Yukon-based project “ElectHER,” aims to lift up and empower Indigenous youth and women, encourage diversity in politics, and provide resources and tools required to enter a campaign.
  
• Ilitaqsiniq, Inuktitut for “continuous recognition of the world around us” and also known as Nunavut Literacy Council in partnership with MakeWay Foundation. Ilitaqsiniq promotes and supports literacy initiatives in the official languages of Nunavut with respect for the principles of community capacity building and development. The afterschool program based in Rankin Inlet supports the wellbeing of parents and youth in the community after school hours and provides safe spaces and learning opportunities for teens during the evenings.
  
• The Arctic Rose Foundation (ARF) in partnership with MakeWay Foundation. Founded by Inuit singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark, ARF nurtures Northern Indigenous children and youth in their efforts to engage all aspects of their lives in healthy and meaningful ways. The Messy Book program will be expanded to North Qikiqtaaluk as a drop-in afterschool program that empowers girls and young people through mentoring. Youth will be trained to facilitate the Messy Book program to primarily serve Inuit youth. 

Stay tuned for more information on the impact of the Fund for Gender Equality in Spring 2022. 

Round 2 of the Fund for Gender Equality granting will open in Fall 2022.