IQUALIT, NU – The Inuit Broadcasting Corporation will receive $1.3 million in funding from the federal government to support the production of 40 hours of original new television programming to be filmed and aired in Inuktitut.
Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, made the announcement Friday on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Shelly Glover.
Aimed at Inuit living in Nunavut, the IBC will produce five series, including children’s program called Takuginai, a cooking show known as Niqitsiat; a comedy series called Qanurli; a documentary series featuring community members called Ilinniq, and a live, current events call-in show entitled Isumavit.
The funding is being provided through the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting funding element of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program.
"Our traditional language is an important part of who we are, and I am proud to be part of a government that encourages the use of Inuit traditional languages in Nunavut”, said Minister Aglukkaq, in a statement. “With this support, the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation will be able to promote the Inuktitut language through television programming for all ages, directly benefiting Inuit communities."
"IBC is proud to carry on its commitment to promoting and preserving the Inuit language”, added IBC chair Madeleine d'Argencourt. “With the support of the Government of Canada, we will continue to strengthen our language in our homes through the production of television and Web series, reaching all age groups."
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