IQALUIT – The Government of Canada is providing $1,236,669 in funding to the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) to support the production of 39 hours of new, original television programming in Inuktitut.
Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The IBC, whose programming is aimed at Inuit living in Nunavut, will produce four series, including "Takuginai," a children's program; "Niqitsiat," a cooking show; "Ilinniq," a documentary series featuring community members; and "Qanuq Isumavit," a live call-in show on which community members can discuss current events.
Three of the programs will air on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, and one will be available on the IBC website.
The funding is being provided through the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting funding element of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program.
"The IBC takes pride in the important role it is playing in enhancing and preserving the Inuit language. With the support provided by the Government of Canada, our television and Web series will promote the Inuit language, while incorporating it into our everyday life. This is key to the success of our language,” said Madeleine d'Argencourt, Chair of the IBC, in a release.
