Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavumi (Firearm Safety Nunavut)

Brief Description

Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavumi (Firearm Safety Nunavut) is a newer Awareness Campaign to the Government of Nunavut Justice Department. Derived from the Guns & Gangs Violence Action Fund, renamed to reflect the unique relationship Nunavummiut have with firearms. Having access to the land and hunting continues to be an important part of the lives of Nunavummiut, and as such firearms are an essential tool that can be found in the majority of households in the territory.

Through Collaboration with the Nunavut Firearms Office, Local Hamlet Offices, HTOs, a number of local schools, and non-profit organizations like Embrace Life Council, and Arctic Training along with the Government Departments of Education, Environment and Health, the Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavumi program strives to bring awareness for proper handling, storage and use of firearms and ammunition for all ages across the territory so Nunavummiut can continue to gain subsidy from the land in a safe and responsible manner.

Goals

The main goals of the Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavumi (Firearm Safety Nunavut) Program is to:

• Bring awareness for proper handling, storage and use of firearms and ammunition for all ages across the territory;
• Using the Inuit nuatqatigiittiarniagut (Inuit Social values) as a guideline to create learning materials in a community engaging, age-friendly atmosphere; and
• Provide firearm safety courses in various communities across the territory

Clientele

The Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavumi Program raises awareness and provides training in firearm safety in communities across Nunavut, where the population is primarily indigenous. These activities target community members of all ages.

Core Components

Producing educational materials and activities for Nunavummiut of all ages incorporating traditional knowledge and skills to raise awareness on the proper handling and storage of firearms. Staff lead community engagement activities such as information booths at community events, providing informational and promotional materials to communities, and holding events such as youth poster contests on firearm safety.

The promotion of the non-restricted Canadian Firearms Safety Courses through collaboration with the Nunavut Firearms Office in remote communities. These courses include the Canadian Firearm Safety Course for ages 12+, as well as firearm safety programming that does not have age restrictions.

Implementation Information

Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:

• Organizational requirements: Dedicated staff member within the Justice Department
• Partnerships: Nunavut Firearms Office, Local Hamlet Offices, HTOs, a number of local schools, and non-profit organizations like Embrace Life Council, and Arctic Training along with the Government Departments of Education, Environment and Health
• Training and technical assistance: Nunavut Firearms Office provides staff to deliver Firearms Safety Course
• Risk assessment tools: Limited information on this topic.
• Materials & resources: Course materials for Firearms Safety Course, safety implementation materials (ex. Trigger locks) and swag for awareness campaign

International Endorsements

The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:

• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
• Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
• Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.

Gathering Canadian Knowledge

Canadian Implementation Sites

The Qukiutiliritsiarniq Nunavumi Program launched in Nunavut in November 2023 and is currently ongoing across Nunavut.

Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies

No information available.

Cost Information

No information available.

References

There is no Canadian reference available at this time.

For more information on this program, contact:

Project Coordinator, Guns and Gangs Violence Action Fund

Community Justice

Department of Justice, Government of Nunavut

PO Box 1000, Station 521

Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0

E-mail: rrowan@gov.nu.ca