There鈥檚 a new public housing unit on the block in Rankin Inlet, and though it won鈥檛 solve the housing crisis alone, the initiative represents a collaborative effort to give students real-world experience and tackle the Nunavut 3,000 challenge together.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just building a house,鈥� said Albert Netser, dean of technology and trades with Nunavut Arctic College (NAC). 鈥淚t鈥檚 building our people.鈥�
The project saw approximately 40 students play a role in the three-bedroom house build from start to finish. The unit, located in Rankin Inlet鈥檚 old town, was officially transferred to the Nunavut Housing Corporation Tuesday, Dec. 19.
Students in the Sanatuliqsarvik Nunavut Trades Training Centre Apprenticeship Program received mentorship and experience that many don鈥檛 have a chance to acquire without such an opportunity. It鈥檚 Netser鈥檚 hope to expand the Inuit construction and trades workforce through programs like this one.
鈥淚 believe that we鈥檙e making changes to these young people,鈥� he said, adding that they come from different backgrounds, with different challenges in life, but all receive the same support at NAC.
The project was developed through a memorandum of understanding among NAC, the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the career development division of the Department of Family Services under the Igluliuqatigiingniq Nunavut 3,000 Strategic Plan. Sakku Investments Corporation also partnered on the initiative.
Lorne Kusugak, minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, gave some tough truths about the industry in Nunavut in his speech.
鈥淚f we were to build 5,000 houses today in Nunavut, we鈥檇 still be short houses,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a lot of houses in Nunavut. But it鈥檚 a task we can achieve if everybody in this room works together. We can get there, and we will get there.鈥�
He added that a significant amount of housing funding doesn鈥檛 stay in Nunavut, saying that if the federal government provided the Government of Nunavut $500 million, only 10 per cent or so remains in the territory, as the house and most of the workers come from the south.
鈥淚n Nunavut when they give us money, we send most of it back south,鈥� said Kusugak, adding that projects like this one will help change that story.
Noel Kaludjak, chair of the local housing organization鈥檚 board of directors, called the housing project successful, especially in terms of the sometimes-heartbreaking conditions Nunavummiut are forced to endure.
鈥淲e have some family members who live in shacks,鈥� he said.
About 30 people were present for the key-exchange ceremony, including a few students who participated in the building process.
