Five unique projects with roots in N.W.T. have just been honoured with Arctic Inspiration awards in a gala ceremony today in Ottawa.
Cheko – Youth Empowerment Project, the Dehcho Youth Energy Action Council project, the Wisdom from the Watershed project, Empowering Northern Voices and the Northern Laughter Movement – have connections to the territories and were honoured alongside diverse projects taking place across the North.
Lois Philipp, who is the N.W.T. Region Manager of Arctic Inspiration Prize, told True North FM that diversity, scope, innovation and impact are important dynamics to consider with these projects.
“We’re looking for projects that really move our social agenda forward,” said Philipp.
“The Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) inspires, enables and celebrates the achievements of the people of the North. The AIP recognizes diverse teams and enables their innovative projects in the fields of education, sustainable housing, health, performing arts, traditional knowledge, language, and science,” said the AIP in a statement.
“In every region, Northerners are stepping forward with bold, thoughtful ideas—and the AIP is here to champion them,” said Wally Schumann, who is chair of the AIP Board of Trustees.
“This year saw a record number of nominations, including remarkable submissions from young people. The creativity and drive behind these projects are truly exciting. Being named a finalist is a tremendous achievement. On behalf of the entire AIP community, congratulations to them all,” added Schumann.
Five teams won up to $500,000 to fund the work for their projects:
Cheko – Youth Empowerment Project, a Yellowknife-based program delivering land-based learning, mentorship, and entrepreneurship training for Indigenous youth. Cheko builds skills, networks, and confidence to support long-term careers and self-determined futures.
Ajunngittutit, a Nunavut-based, Inuit-led alternative education model by Pirurqatigiit Resource Centre for neurodiverse and marginalized youth, blending Inuktut revitalization, land-based learning, and hands-on programming to create inclusive learning environments in Nunavut.
https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/Ajunngittutit
Kitikmeot Community Elder Training Program, a Nunavut-based program to mentor and support the next generation of Elders, ensuring traditional knowledge is passed on. Elders will lead cultural education, language preservation, and support community services rooted in Inuinnait values.
https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/kitikmeot-elder-training
Baker Lake Diabetes Prevention and Nutrition Program, a Nunavut-based community health initiative, will promote traditional Inuit practices to combat rising Type 2 diabetes rates. Focused on prevention and local empowerment, it reduces reliance on southern medical travel and promotes sustainable, healthy living.
https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/baker-lake-diabetes-prevention
Reviving Inuit Cultural and Traditional Values, a Nunavik-based project led by Qimutjuit Men’s Association, this project connects youth and Elders through harvesting camps that teach traditional food preparation and survival skills. It addresses food insecurity and revitalizes cultural practices in Kuujjuaraapik.
https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/reviving-inuit-culture
The Arctic Inspiration Prize is known as the largest annual prize in Canada. Only one team can win the $1 million funding, which goes towards the work of the project.
Bibia Nàtsät Ku: A Movement to Reclaim Yukon First Nations Midwifery and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare was honoured this year with the $1-million Arctic Inspiration Prize.
The project is led by Yukon First Nations (YFN) who plan to establish a Ku (house) in Whitehorse. The Ku will offer culturally safe, YFN-led midwifery and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (SHRC) services.
“To date, the Bibia Nàtsät (Strong Babies) Program has supported hundreds of Yukon First Nations and Indigenous families on their pregnancy journeys. The program combines traditional knowledge with wraparound support, helping families navigate health systems, access services, and reclaim traditional birthing teachings and practices,” said the Council of Yukon First Nations in an announcement today.
“Bibia Nàtsät Ku (Strong Babies House) will expand this work by creating a dedicated space in Whitehorse for culturally safe, sexual and reproductive care. Birth workers and midwives will collaborate with healthcare partners to provide prenatal, birth, and postpartum care rooted in Yukon First Nations knowledge and practices,” CYFN explained.
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston described the award as an important milestone.
“This recognition from the Arctic Inspiration Prize marks a major milestone in transforming care for Yukon First Nation families. It affirms the importance of Yukon First Nation-led, culturally grounded care and supports our vision of a future where every family can access safe, respectful and traditional birthing support close to home, said Grand Chief Johnston.
In a statement, the project team explained that the initiative aims to not only transform midwifery but will also shape the broader community.
“Grounded in Elder guidance, with a focus on Indigenous workforce development and traditional knowledge, Bibia Nàtsät Ku (strong baby house) will not only transform SRHC delivery in the Yukon but will also influence systemic change across the Arctic, helping to shape safer, more culturally appropriate care for Indigenous communities.”
https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/bibia-natsat-ku
For the Arctic Inspiration youth category, six winners were awarded with up to $100,000 to support the work of their projects:
Dehcho Youth Energy Action Council is based in the Dehcho in the Northwest Territories. The Dehcho Youth Energy Action Council (DYEAC) is preparing youth to lead in clean energy. By blending Dene knowledge and technical training, this program nurtures a new generation of climate leaders committed to sustainable and culturally aligned energy futures.
https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/dehcho-youth-energy-action-council
Wisdom from the Watershed is a project based in the Northwest Territories. Wisdom from the Watershed is a documentary project following young Gwich’in hunters and students into the Peel Watershed, capturing climate change impacts through intergenerational storytelling and land-based learning.
https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/wisdom-from-the-watershed
Empowering Northern Voices is a project spanning Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Empowering Northern Voices is gathering that will unite youth across the territories for training in advocacy, leadership, and solutionsbuilding. The initiative will create a strong youth network focused on addressing key issues like mental health, education, and the environment. https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/empowering-northern-voices
The Northern Laughter Movement is a project spanning Yukon, NWT and Nunavut. This initiative uses humour and storytelling as tools for wellness, creativity, and leadership. A week-long gathering will equip youth with skills in comedy and narrative-building while offering space for cultural connection and healing.
https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/northern-laughter-movement
Uniaraqtuq: A Youth Dog Sledding Club in the Beaufort Delta is a project based in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This club combines land-based education, Inuvialuktun and Gwich’in language learning, and mental wellness through dog sledding. A documentary will capture its impact as youth reconnect with culture, community, and education.
https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/laureate/uniaraqtuq
The 13th Annual Arctic Inspiration Prize Awards Ceremony in Ottawa, were held in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
