Departments

The Kivalliq Inuit Association has three (3) independent operations departments – the Lands Department, Planning & Implementation Department and the Inuit Programs & Services Department. The Executive Department, Finance Department, Human Resources Department and Communications Department work in collaboration to support their activities.

Executive Department

The Executive Department is the critical link between the long-term, strategic vision and planning of the Board of Directors through the governance model, with the day-to-day operations.

The Department oversees the administration of all departments by coordinating the activities and providing the resources needed to carry out activities.

The Executive is responsible for all matters pertaining to Human Resources, Policy, Operations, Program and Service delivery, and accountability to the Board of Directors.

Finance Department

The Finance Department is the fiscal center of KIA, the team that oversees the budgeting, financial statements, payroll, and maintenance of corporate accounts, payables and receivables, reporting, compensation and benefits. Its services go beyond simple administrative support; the Finance Department also helps other KIA Departments with the preparation of their budgets, financial management and reporting, and contributes to the long-term planning process by providing detailed historical financial information and projections.

Lands Department

The Lands Department is responsible for ensuring that the use of Inuit-Owned Lands (IOL) reflects both the intent and the legal requirements and obligations set out in the Nunavut Agreement and continuously strives to protect the long-term interests of Inuit by balancing the need for development with protection of the environment.

The Department works collaboratively with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to develop policy and procedures to administer and monitor activity on Inuit-Owned Land in the region. It ensures occupants adhere to compliance with the rules, regulations and statutes protecting Inuit rights to the land. The Nunavut Agreement defines “land” to include water and resources including wildlife.

Planning & Implementation

The Planning & Implementation Department negotiates Inuit Benefit Agreements (IIBAs) and other agreements with industry, governments and other parties seeking use of Inuit-Owned Lands, and participates in the management of proposed development affecting Inuit located within the region to ensure Inuit benefit from development.

The Department plays a lead role in other negotiations arising from the Nunavut Agreement including the Manitoba Denesuline Overlap Agreement and Athabasca Denesuline Overlap Agreement as well as discussions on the nomination of sites to the federal Canadian Heritage Rivers program, Canadian Wildlife Services and other federal agencies.

The Department also participates in many of the co-management bodies that oversee the administration of Nunavut’s land, wildlife, and resources; by working closely with such entities as the Inuit Heritage Trust (IHT), Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB), Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC), Nunavut Water Board (NWB), and Nunavut Wildlife Board (NWMB) it provides recommendation of individual appointments to these Institutes of Public Government.

Inuit Programs & Services

The Inuit Programs & Services Department provides Inuit Programs, Business Development, Training & Education and Child First Initiatives.

Inuit Programs works on protection and promotion of Inuit culture, societal values and language. The Department strives to enhance the lives of Kivallirmiut through a wide range of cultural initiatives and programs that support a strong and vibrant society immersed with cultural knowledge. IPS also manages the Nunavut Harvesters support program for the Kivalliq region.

Established programs that Inuit Programs Department delivers:

Somebody’s Daughter
Somebody’s Son
Kivalliq Community Cultural Initiatives Program
Various community programs throughout the year

Jordan’s Principal Child First Initiative helps First Nations and Inuit children living in Canada the proper access to services, support and products that may need for youth 18 years and younger such as:

Mental health services
Special education
Medical equipment
Groceries and clothing

Business Development aims to deliver employment, training and economic development programs to meet the needs of market demands and provide services that support the participation of Inuit in the region to benefit from economic opportunities.

The Department prioritizes its initiatives through strategies created by socio-economic development opportunities stimulated by the Kivalliq Inuit Association’s activities and in response to needs assessed throughout the region.

Programs and services include:

Training for high-demand jobs, Skills development training, Programs for entrepreneurs and Inuit-owned business.

Programs such as:

Business Development Fund which provides financial contributions for Entrepreneurs.
Traditional Economy fund which provides financial contributions for Inuit on self sustainability (Hunting, sewing, Crafting).

Training & Education provides supports and rewards Kivalliq Beneficiaries who are seeking to improve their higher level of education and who want to increase their skills in the technical trades or other professions. Kivalliq Inuit Association has allocated scholarships annually; for Inuit students from the Kivalliq region pursuing a post-secondary education which are awarded in September of each year.

Summer Work Experience Program

This program provides youth with summer employment opportunities where they can gain work experience and develop important skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

Communications Department

The primary role of the Department of Communications is to strengthen KIA’s profile and increase awareness of its programs, activities and programs. In order to do this, the communications department works closely with all KIA departments to coordinate the flow of information from KIA to Inuit in the region through various media outlets including the Community Liaison Officers, KIA Facebook page and website.

In addition, the communications department publishes KIA’s seasonal newsletter and annual report, which offer additional information about KIA’s activities and programs.

Community Liaison Officers (CLOs)

The KIA’s CLO’s job description is broad and includes programs of the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI); it is a crucial liaison with several groups and committees including NTI Enrollment, Bereavement and Compassionate Care and Community Land and Resource Committees (CLARCS).

The CLO’s will also assist from time-to-time with other community initiatives that the Kivalliq Inuit Association supports through its partnerships and departmental initiatives.