A dozen community-based seniors projects in the NWT will get an injection of more than $280,000 in federal funding, it was announced on June 25.
This funding was awarded through the most recent call for proposals for community-based projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) from Aug. 1, 2023-Sept. 28, 2023. The objective is to help seniors stay active and connected in their community.
"I think everybody knows that helping older adults has always been, and will continue to be, a key priority for all of us, and that includes our government," said NWT MP Michael McLeod, speaking in Yellowknife.
He also mentioned that seniors are one of Canada’s fastest-growing demographics and are on track to represent almost a quarter of the population by 2051.
The funding recipients will receive no more than $25,000 apiece.
Some of the groups getting funded include the Yellowknife Curling Club and the NWT Senior's Society. For the former, they're to use their funding to provide membership fees for a seniors program. The latter will look at doing some research, compiling definitions, descriptions and scenarios for feedback to publish on their website so seniors can become more aware of Elder abuse.
The complete list of initiatives that will receive funding is as follows:
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Collège nordique francophone
- Intergenerational and cross-cultural mentoring project where seniors share language and cultural knowledge with students and learn digital skills from them.
- Facilitated by a $25,000 grant.
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Federation franco-tenoise
- Vieillir en santé aux TNO, involving seniors in cultural, sports, gardening activities, and workshops on cyberfraud and justice.
- Funded by a $24,666 grant.
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NWT Seniors' Society
- Redefining Elder Abuse in Culturally Appropriate Language, compiling elder abuse information and publishing it online.
- Supported by a $24,250 grant.
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The Diocese Of The Arctic
- Seniors Open House, hosting monthly events and workshops to support diversity, reconciliation, and social engagement.
- Funded by a $24,200 grant.
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Yellowknife Curling Club
- Seniors Curling Inclusion Program, providing membership fees to promote social participation and inclusion of seniors.
- Supported by a $23,775 grant.
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Town of Hay River
- "Healthy Ageing" at the Hay River Community Centre, with seniors instructing and participating in pickleball sessions and leagues.
- Facilitated by a $25,000 grant.
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Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre
- Northern Seniors, involving weekly sharing circles, intergenerational activities, and workshops to promote inclusion.
- Funded by a $15,778 grant.
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Incorporated Hamlet of Tulita
- Tulita Knowledge Keepers 2, where seniors attend workshops and the organization will purchase a greenhouse to promote health and well-being.
- Funded by a $24,000 grant.
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Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation
- Elders and Youth on the Land, Elders in Motion, providing traditional land-based activities and passing on knowledge/skills to youth.
- Funded by a $25,000 grant.
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Gwich'in Tribal Council
- Gwich'in Elder's Council, where seniors attend gatherings for Gwich'in language preservation.
- Supported by a $25,000 grant.
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Tsiigehtchic Charter Community
- Elders weekly dinner and food/country food distribution, providing a space for seniors to gather and receive healthy meals.
- Supported by a $25,000 grant.
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K'asho Got'ine Housing Society
- Elders support men's transition home and women's safe home, involving language learning, storytelling dinners, and traditional crafts.
- Funded by a $25,000 grant.