On May 13, the 13th annual Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) ceremony lit up Ottawa’s Rogers Centre with an afternoon of celebration, culture, and community.
This unique event highlights bold, northern-led ideas that support lasting change across the North.
Canadian North was once again proud to join the excitement as a longtime sponsor. Our President and CEO, Shelly De Caria, took to the stage to present one of this year’s awards, continuing our company’s commitment to supporting innovation and empowerment in the communities we serve.
Shelly presented the Nunavik-based Qimutjuit Men’s Association with $425,000 for its inspiring work bringing together youth and Elders through harvesting camps and traditional skills training. These efforts not only build knowledge and confidence among young men but also strengthen cultural identity and intergenerational connection.
Finalists shared more than $3.7 million in funding to help launch or expand initiatives rooted in northern priorities and expertise.
The top prize of $1 million went to Bibia Nàtsät Ku, an Indigenous-led midwifery and reproductive health program in the Yukon. Other prize recipients included Nunavut-based initiatives focused on Elder mentorship, alternative education for neurodiverse youth, and diabetes prevention.
As Governor General Mary Simon said in her opening remarks, “The best solutions are created by the North, for the North.”
The Arctic Inspiration Prize proves that every year, and Canadian North is honoured to be a part.
You can learn more about the Arctic Inspiration Prize by visiting: https://arcticinspirationprize.ca/
