Arctic Inspiration Prize Awards Ceremony

Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory offered a moving visual performance.

On January 27, 2016, the fourth annual Arctic Inspiration Prize awards ceremony, hosted by Peter Mansbridge, recognized three teams for their knowledge to action plans that advance the health, wellness, and quality of life of Canada’s Northern peoples and communities.

"After every visit to the Arctic, I’ve left with the thought: this is the story of Canada," said the Governor General. "It’s a story of people coming together and working towards common goals, quite often in challenging conditions."

Tanya Tagaq is an acclaimed Canadian Inuit throat singer.

The ceremony featured a performance by Tanya Tagaq, Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory, Christine Duncan and Nunavut Sivuniksavut.

The Better Hearing in Education for Northern Youth team was awarded $300,000 for its plan to foster literacy and academic outcomes for youth living with hearing loss in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut.

The Tri-Territorial Recreation Training Project received $600,000 for its plan to develop and deliver a specialized community recreation leadership training program in rural and remote communities across Canada’s three territories.

The Qaggiq: Nurturing the Arctic Performing Arts team was awarded $600,000 to implement its plan to revitalize Arctic culture and the performing arts.

The Arctic Inspiration Prize is awarded annually to multidisciplinary teams who are ready to push forward innovative plans that benefit the Arctic and its peoples, break barriers, and improve their communities.