President's Letter, 2024/24 Annual Report (excerpts):
This year saw an explosion in program offerings that bolstered our food access, food skills, and cultural programming. The biggest and boldest of these was the grand opening of Qinnirvik Country Food and Bulk Store. This project is the culmination of a multi-year effort, thanks to funding from local, national, and international funders. The end result: Iqaluit now has regular access to traditional, nutrient-dense Country Food on a sliding scale pay model.
There also been a host of other new program offerings this year, including monthly chef nights that spotlight local chefs; collaborations with hunters across Nunavut, the Nunavut Black History Society, international academics, the City of Iqaluit, and Alianait Arts Festival; and one-off events like an art installation about country food and demonstrations of seal butchering.
Qajuqturvik has always welcomed every member of our community, including, of course, for our Daily Community Meal Service, which continues to climb to staggering numbers. And while nobody connected with Qajuqturvik ever forgets that our centre serves community members living with the worst food insecurity in the country, more often than not, when I’m in the food centre, I hear laughter and casual conversations.
The nourishing energy that Qajuqturvik injects into our community occurs under the dynamic leadership of our Co-Executive Directors, Joseph and Francine. Their respective passions and visions compliment each other, but they are united in their tireless work ethic and unwavering leadership.
With the rest of Iqaluit, I look forward to seeing what the next year brings for Qajuqturvik.
Jessie Hale Jessie Hale, President, Board of Directors
