The application process for the Inuvialuit Harvesters Assistance Program (IHAP) opens on January 1.
Those interested in applying have until January 31 to submit a completed application.
*Please note that beneficiaries who live outside the ISR have until February 28 each year to apply.
The primary objective of the Inuvialuit Harvesters Assistance Program is to provide ongoing assistance to Inuvialuit subsistence harvesters from the Inuvialuit Harvesters Assistance Trust.
Read news December 24, 2021 about increases to the program put in place by the IRC Board.
Important Dates
January 1 – IHAP opens
January 31 – IHAP closes
Feb 1 to 15 – Community meetings to make decisions
Feb 15 to 28 – Copies of all applications and decisions to IHAP manager
Feb 28 – Appeals and out of ISR applications close
Mar 1 to 15 – IHAP Appeal Committee meets to decide out of ISR applicants and address any appeals
Mar 15 to 31 – Applicants make credit arrangements
April 1 – Check distribution for those who have arrangements in place
* Please note that beneficiaries who live outside the ISR have until the end of February to apply.
Call Shelly Hendrick IRC Community Support and IHAP Manager at 867 777 7045 or email shendrick@inuvialuit.com if you have any questions.
Principles
The Inuvialuit Harvesters Assistance Program is based on the following principles. Decisions regarding eligibility, application of funding and identification of target individuals will be made in the context of these principles. Overall, these principles reflect the “spirit” and “intent” of the policy and will guide decision makers in the implementation of the program.
- Renewable resource harvesting has and continues to be the cornerstone of Inuvialuit culture and society and that financially supporting Inuvialuit renewable resource harvesters will strengthen them and their family’s ability to continue traditional activities.
- Harvesting is a form of economic activity. It contributes to community wellbeing by creating financial worth for traditional and cultural activities and providing country food as an important replacement.
- With the collapse of the fur trapping industry many Inuvialuit harvesting households have been faced with the increasing dependence on social assistance and other forms of government support. Inuvialuit harvesting household self-sufficiency must be encouraged through direct and indirect financial support.
- Educating and training younger Inuvialuit in the traditions of subsistence harvesting, preparation of skins and sewing skills will ensure that the special characteristics of Inuvialuit culture will be preserved.
- Inuvialuit have the responsibility to manage wildlife and the environment in a sustainable Manner.
- Need will be the primary consideration in the provision of financial assistance under the IHAP.
Eligibility
- Enrolled beneficiary under the IFA
- A member in good standing with the community corporation (if living in an Inuvialuit community)
- Free of indebtedness to the Inuvialuit Corporate Group
- Preference will be given to Inuvialuit subsistence harvesters engaged in harvesting activities and showing demonstrated need for program support to continue or start harvesting
- Preference will also be given to those harvesting applicants that regularly involve youth in their traditional harvesting activities
History of IHAP
In 1996, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), following extensive consultation with Inuvialuit Game Council (IGC), entered into a $4.4 million agreement with Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) to develop and deliver a Harvesters Assistance Program for Inuvialuit. All funds were placed into an Inuvialuit Harvesters Assistance Trust Fund.
Following the signing of this agreement a joint IRC/IGC working group was formed and the details of an Inuvialuit Harvesters Assistance Program (IHAP) were developed. Community Corporations and Hunters and Trappers Committees were consulted and the program received final approval by the IRC Board on April 29, 1998.