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Government of Canada supports Indigenous-led effort to create reindeer herd agribusiness in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Aug 27, 2026, 11:30 ET INUVIK, NT, Aug. 27, 2026 /CNW/ - Reindeer husbandry is a culturally rooted and historically significant practice that has provided food security and economic opportunities to Inuvialuit families for nearly a century. The Mackenzie Delta herd-Canada's only reindeer herd-plays a vital role in Arctic agriculture, contributing to local food systems, community resilience, and the preservation of traditional livelihoods. Working together with Indigenous partners, the Government of Canada is supporting strategic opportunities that will leverage the herd to advance food sovereignty, economic resilience, and cultural revitalization across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR). Today, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of up to $885,225 for the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization (ICEDO) through the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program. With this support, the ICEDO will create a strategic plan to transform management of the reindeer herd from a community food security effort into a self-sustaining agribusiness. The plan will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for infrastructure investments, workforce development, market expansion, and operational sustainability in Canada's most remote and agriculturally challenging region. This initiative exemplifies Indigenous-led innovation, with the Inuvialuit community driving priorities rooted in their traditional values and long-term goals. The project will integrate the Inuvialuit's deep knowledge of food sharing, environmental stewardship and cultural practices with modern agricultural technologies and market strategies. The Government of Canada will continue to support Indigenous Peoples as they lead the way in shaping initiatives that advance local food security and strengthen economic development, all while preserving traditional practices within their communities. "We are committed to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that drive economic growth and food security. Through this project, we are honouring the traditions and knowledge of the Inuvialuit community while fostering a sustainable future that celebrates and preserves their unique identity and way of life. It's a testament to the power of collaboration between the Government of Canada and Indigenous communities to build a more resilient and prosperous future for the North." - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "For nearly a century, the Mackenzie Delta reindeer herd has been an important source of food, opportunity, and connection for Inuvialuit families. This investment ensures the continued success of a vital cultural practice by advancing the community's vision for a self-sustaining agribusiness that will strengthen northern food security and Indigenous economic development. Our government is proud to support this initiative and continue our work in partnership with Inuvialuit to promote self-determination, long-term prosperity, and ensure this unique northern tradition thrives for generations to come." - The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories "For Inuvialuit, food security is about more than access to food - it is about our right to make decisions for ourselves, to strengthen our communities and to carry forward the knowledge and practices that have sustained us for generations. This investment supports Inuvialuit-led solutions that build food sovereignty, create opportunity and help ensure our people can continue to rely on healthy, local and culturally important foods now and into the future." - Jordan McLeod, acting chair, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Quick Facts * Established in 1984, the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization (ICEDO) is an Indigenous-owned not-for-profit entity under the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) that supports Inuit communities across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR). The organization is focused on creating opportunities that support cultural preservation, community wellness, and economic growth through initiatives such as country food programs, tourism development, and land-based projects. * In 2021, ownership and management of the Mackenzie Delta reindeer herd was transferred to the ICEDO. Since then, the organization has successfully grown the herd from approximately 1,500 to 7,000 animals. * The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP) funds projects that support the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector in identifying and advancing strategic opportunities. Additional Links SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Contacts: For media: Jennica Klassen, [email protected], Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food | Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]

IRC announces expansion of community supports: New health clinic coming to Inuvik. May 20, 2026 Download a copy of this announcement here. Inuvialuit Regional Corporation to launch one-stop health facility with dental and physician services. Inuvik, NT - Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its community supports, with the introduction of health services under the Inuvialuit Health banner. In 2027, IRC will open a new medical clinic in Inuvik, designed to provide both dental and physician services in one convenient residential location. This initiative is made possible through generous funding from the Government of Canada, including support from Indigenous Services Canada and Health Canada. The Government of Northwest Territories also played a role in bringing the partners to the table. "IRC has a history of stepping up to fill urgent gaps for our people and community, and today's lack of reliable dental and primary care is nothing short of a crisis," says IRC chair, Erwin Elias. "By standing up this new clinic, we're taking decisive action to bring care closer to home and make sure our people receive the quality health care they deserve, right here at home, when they need it most." The facility will provide comprehensive care with a team of rotating dentists, physicians, hygienists and dental therapists. The service model is still under development. "This investment through Health Canada's Oral Health Access Fund reflects our commitment to improving access to essential oral health services across the country," says the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. "By supporting the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation's new clinic in Inuvik, we are bringing dental care closer to home, where and when people need it most." "This project is a powerful example of how Indigenous Services Canada is supporting Inuit-led solutions that improve quality of life across the region," said the Honourable Mandy Gull Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services. "Reliable access to dental and primary health care closer to home means people and families can get the care they need, when they need it." Opening dates for the clinic will be determined based on factors such as the readiness of the clinic and recruitment of health professionals. IRC remains committed to providing high-quality, accessible health care to the community and looks forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.