Tungasuvvingat Inuit is an Inuit-specific urban services provider that offers community supports for Inuit of all ages. Finding your way through the urban systems and getting the support you need is what TI does. We’re there for you as you build your life in the south and work to keep you connected to your culture in the north.
What is Tungasuvvingat Inuit?
Tungasuvvingat Inuit is an Inuit-specific registered not-for-profit Ontario service provider offering social support, cultural activities, employment and education assistance, youth programs, counselling, crisis intervention and more. In total, we offer nearly 30 integrated, front-line services! The goal is to be a one-stop resource and support centre to meet the rapidly growing, complex and evolving needs of Inuit in Ontario.
Our core values are anchored in the traditional principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), the Inuit way of “knowing.” These resilience-building principles invoke: respecting others, relationships and caring for people; fostering good spirit by being open, welcoming and inclusive; and serving and providing for family and community. IQ also calls for decision-making through discussion and consensus; development of skills through mentoring, practice and effort; working together for a common cause; being innovative and resourceful; and having respect and care for the land, animals and the environment.
TI is the only Inuit-specific service organization of its kind in urban Canada offering support through a person’s entire life cycle. As the population of Inuit living outside of Inuit Nunangat now exceeds 40%, Tungasuvvingat Inuit is recognized as a leading advocate for urban Inuit and is prominent within the framework of national Inuit organizations. Our comprehensive agency is a respected leader and the primary model for Inuit-specific service delivery, working in both urban and non-urban settings. Our agency has received mainstream recognition as a centre of excellence in several of our programs. Tungasuvvingat Inuit is supported by more than a dozen public and private funders, including all levels of government. We are governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors, consisting broadly of community leaders from across the province committed to fulfilling our vision.
Our Purpose
Like the traditional Inuit Blanket-Toss Game, Tungasuvvingat Inuit’s programs and services will “catch” anyone in the Inuit community who needs our support. When Inuit access our services, you are made aware of some of the other important supports that may be accessible. Our mandate is to assist Inuit adjust to southern urban culture and provide support every step of the way.
Our History
Ontario’s Inuit population has grown from less than 100 in 1987 and according to the 2016 census, 6,870 Inuit now live in Ontario (single identity and multiple ancestry). The vast majority live in the National Capital area, making it the largest Inuit community outside of The North. Establishing improved data on Inuit outside of the National Capital Region is a priority as we expect the number of Inuit to be much higher across Ontario than current data supports.
Tungasuvvingat Inuit was incorporated in 1987 to provide support for Inuit in Ontario with a funding base of $80,000 and 1.5 full time staff. Today, TI employs nearly 100 staff members, has funding partnerships with The City of Ottawa, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.
The size and scope of growth is in response to the population growth and the evolving needs of Urban Inuit.
