b"MASS_NRG_A_Bleed_Mask_Op1INUIT SUPPORTcaused by having to learn how to negotiateits service range from about 60 familiesIt was a large undertaking because weve unfamiliar systems like public transit andin the Ottawa area to Inuit all across thehad to write multiple proposals to all levels the private housing market. province. At the peak of our food-securityof government just to try to provide these Theres a housing crisis in the North,program, we supported 1,000 Inuit a week,very important programs, notes Kilabuk.but theres also a housing crisis in theand we have spent thousands and thou- An unexpected gain tied to the pandemic is South; its very hard for Inuit who aresands of dollars to make sure that Inuit inthat for the Inuit community in Ontario, low-income to access affordable housing,Ontario have food, says Kilabuk. COVID has highlighted the hidden issue says Kilabuk. Although the cost of food isThe shift necessitated adding 18 TI staff,of food insecurity, explains Kilabuk. low, so are our starting salaries. There arenot only to distribute the gift cards, but alsoFurthermore, after the federal governments all these factors that I think a lot of Inuitto check in weekly on other TI services,initial financial response to the crisis, the dont realize when they move to the South.school support, mental-health support,need for additional allocations for urban Tungasuvvingat Inuit offers services toCOVID and access to CERB funding.Indigenous populations has become evident, help Inuit navigate through these systems,Although were a provincial organization,and Kilabuk is hopeful that more resources and advocates with decision makers tothis is the first time that we actually assistedwill follow, because so many Indigenous make sure that Inuit are reflected in thepeople from east of Ottawa to Thunder Bay.people live outside their homelands.curriculum. We are able to use that plat-form to advocate for the needs of Inuit.SILVER LINING On the way to a While acknowledging the pain and suffering of families that have been deeplystronger futureaffected by COVID-19 and who have lost loved ones, Kilabuk says the impacts of the pandemic could hold silver linings, some of which she has already experienced in her personal life. Ive had to spend more time with my childrenits been a long March break!but we bonded as a family, notes Kilabuk. Before COVID, we were busy, busy, busy with kids activities. COVID has allowed us to take a break and have family nights and allows our oldest children to take more responsibility at home, learning how to cook, how to read recipes and make meal plans. But I quickly realized I am not a teacherI grew up in a family of teachers, so I know how much work teachers do. It has regenerated my respect for them and the parents who were able to teach their children last year. Kilabuk says that the sudden shift to virtual communication has given her more opportunity to learn while moving from an acting position to a position as permanent executive director for Tungasuvvingat Inuit.We proudly support the This was due to the very dedicated timeOntario Native Womens Association required for videoconferencing. If I hadBy building relationships based on mutual come to the acting role when we were in our building, I dont think I would haverespect, shared values and a common learned as much, she says. understanding, together we can create a strong, sustainable future.On the other hand, Kilabuk's workload increased tremendously as programs were adjusted to accommodate for online delivery. Another important factor has beenTo learn more about RBC, visit an escalation in violence related to the stressrbc.com/indigenousof quarantine and the closure of face-to-face drop-in programs in March. Also, TIs food-bank program was trans-/ TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada.VPS107512 105849 (08/2020)formed into a gift-card system, expanding Jamela De la Cruz 100% ofAPPROVALSIndigenous Shelf ads Ontario Native Womens Association29Final Size107512 AD_105849_0820_ONWA_E.indd 4.583 x 7None4.833 x 7.25None4.583 x 7None"