This month we recognize the contributions of Indigenous youth who have made our program a resounding success. This summer, we acknowledge the incredible contributions of Tony Eetak, one of the founding members and co-funders of what is today known as the Niriqatiginnga Framework of projects.
Originally from Arviat, Nunavut Tony has been the most ardent champion of Niriqatiginnga, contributing significantly to the success of our program activities. Prior to working with our projects he was a member of the former Arviat Film Society. Today, his work is supported in partnership with organizations and programs like the University of the Arctic, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship and Master of Arts in Creative Leadership programs.
This summer he has been incredibly active, supporting Niriqatiginnga’s arts-based and participatory food security research as a member of the Youth, Arts and Media Team with funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Program. Our programming now attracts more than 15,000 monthly visitors and readers and this is due to his contributions and support.
One of the longest supporting and founding members of our arts and food security programming over the last four years, Tony’s contributions are truly commendable.
As a founding member of Niriqatiginnga, his contributions to the research that made this program possible are to be commended. From his participation in the University of Minnesota Duluth-supported Creativity for Entrepreneurship program in 2021, to his co-creation of the Arts Borups Corners and its @1860 Winnipeg Arts program funded by the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse, to the Our People Our Climate summer workshops of 2022 funded by the Manitoba Arts Council’s Indigenous 360 Program, he has been among our program’s most dedicated supporters.
After tragically losing his brother John in a devastating blizzard in November 2022, Tony continues to dedicate his energy and creative energy to supporting food security through the arts. A talented musician and emerging youth artist, he continues to advocate for opportunities for youth inclusion and community programs.
In 2023 he was named a National Role model with the organization Global Dignity Canada.
Celebrating and supporting the contributions of Indigenous youth in the arts, culture, and food security sectors is essential for fostering vibrant, resilient communities. It’s talented and committed young leaders like Tony who bring invaluable perspectives and creativity, deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, which enriches the broader societal fabric. At its core, this work is about building more connected, resilient communities through volunteerism, skills development and capacity building.
Tony’s contributions to supporting arts and community-based participatory research has made it possible for programs like Niriqatiginnga to exist. In 2023 the program was funded by Manitoba Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. His contributions also made this spring and summer’s “IIPP-0071” program possible, with support from the Indigenous Intellectual Property Protection Program from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Leadership from youth like Tony has led to new and innovative approaches to addressing challenges like food security and cultural preservation through the arts, inspiring meaningful change and building pathways for a sustainable and inclusive future.
We thank Tony for his incredible and unforgettable contributions to our programs. Congratulations on a job very well done!
