Governments of Canada and Nunavut Announce Support to Revitalize Sanikiluaq's Eiderdown Industry

This investment will create significant economic opportunity for community

IQALUIT, March 5, 2015 /CNW/ - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and the Government of Nunavut (GN)

Today, Minister Leona Aglukkaq and Minister Monica Ell announced an investment that will assist the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq to revive its eiderdown industry, leading to increased employment and economic opportunities.

An increase in international demand for high quality eiderdown is leading the renewal of the industry in Sanikiluaq. This project to establish a community-based commercial operation will include collecting eiderdown, renovating a building to bring the workshop to operational standards, and producing quality product. CanNor's investment, together with a contribution from the Government of Nunavut, will support hiring and will provide training on product development from its creation up to final production.

Quick Facts  

• CanNor's investment in this eiderdown project is $28,952. The Government of Nunavut's Department of Economic Development and Transportation is contributing $107,394, with the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq adding $39,511, bringing the total investment to $175,857.
• This project will help revive an acclaimed traditional activity while providing an opportunity to support a commercial business.  
• Eiderdown is a luxury product in demand for its high insulation, longevity, and rarity. Eiderdown duvets can retail for up to $10,000.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes the importance of a sustainable and diversified economy in Nunavut. This investment in developing eiderdown production will help to create jobs and prosperity for the people of Sanikiluaq."
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"Local economic development is most effective when based on a community's own natural resources and skills. Each community, like Sanikiluaq, has unique potential to create more employment opportunities and the Government of Nunavut will help make this happen."
Monica Ell
Nunavut's Minister of Economic Development and Transportation

"The project is a great example of combining the use of a renewable product and the traditional skills of Inuit harvesters and clothing makers to make high quality products that are in much demand around the world. The project represents an exciting chapter in our community's economic development and will provide an important source of jobs and pride for our residents."
Frank Audla
Mayor of Sanikiluaq

Associated Links  

CanNor Supports Arctic Co-ops' Expansion
http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1389637014654/1389637044685

Government of Canada Invests in Community Development in Kugluktuk
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=876909&tp=1

CanNor Invests in Cape Dorset Arts Community
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=862799&tp=1

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Ted Laking, 819-997-1441; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region, 867-975-3722; Government of Nunavut: Matthew Illaszewicz, Manager, Communications, 867-975-7818; Hamlet of Sanikiluaq: Daryl Dibblee, Senior Administrator Officer, 867-266-7900; For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca; For more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: northernstrategy.ca