A Catholic charity based in the Edmonton area is sending essential supplies to remote communities in the Northwest Territories, strengthening ties with the Inuvialuit community. The North of 60 Project, led by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, has been supporting nine communities from the Mackenzie Delta to the Beaufort coast for 15 years.
Shipping container from St. Albert
A cargo container filled with staple foods, canned goods, a sewing machine, and an accordion is en route to the Inuvialuit hamlet of Ulukhaktok. The container, covered with warm messages, traveled 3,500 kilometers from St. Albert to Whitehorse and then to Tuktoyaktuk, where it will be barged across the Beaufort Sea to Victoria Island.
Linda Tutt, chair of the North of 60 mission, noted that transportation costs alone run into tens of thousands of dollars. The project relies entirely on volunteers and donations, working closely with northern partners. “The Arctic contacts are equal partners,” Tutt said. “This project is a blessing to bring together donors, volunteers, interested parties and recipients.”
Food security challenges
High transportation and fuel costs, combined with climate change effects, challenge food security in the region. Darlene Nigiyok, food bank coordinator for Ulukhaktok, said up to 52 households benefit each month, many with multi-generational families. “I and the Hamlet of Ulukhaktok are very grateful and appreciative to collaborate and partner with them for programs such as this one,” Nigiyok wrote. “It helps lessen the loads of the Ulukhaktok food security issues, and Food Bank supply and demand.”
Tuktoyaktuk turnaround
After retiring from teaching at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Sister Fay Trombley turned her attention north. Motivated by Inuvialuit volunteer Eileen Orysiuk, she helped establish a thrift shop and food bank. Supplies were hauled by flatbed to Tuktoyaktuk, with contributions from volunteers like Dorothy Loreen. Trombley said her work in the North is inspired by the Gospel and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
