Our

story.

Annauma Community Foundation is the first community foundation in Nunavut.

What is a community foundation? Community foundations are created to respond to local needs by stewarding donated funds from a wide range of sources. Each foundation sets its own priorities and decides how funds are invested and distributed to benefit the community.

At Annauma, our community-led priorities are deeply rooted in the social, economic, and natural environment of Nunavut. We are also part of a network of more than 200 community foundations coast-to-coast-to-coast across Canada, working together to strengthen communities and create lasting impact.

Vision

Inuit communities are healthy and confident, and have what they need to thrive.

Mission

To deliver funding and support that strengthens Inuit values, skills, and worldview in a manner that encourages lifelong learning and nurtures collaborative community relationships.

Inuit communities know the best solutions to the challenges they face, and Annauma works alongside them to turn those solutions into action.

We connect caring donors, corporate partners, funders, and governments with opportunities to invest in community-led initiatives, and together we journey towards an equitable future. Annauma is short for Annaumakkaijiit, an Inuktitut word meaning “helping people to stay ahead.” True to our name, we are committed to supporting Inuit in realizing their vision for Nunavut.

Our priorities are:

Inuit Children and Youth

Supporting programs that create healthy opportunities for Inuit children and youth to gather, learn, and lead. This includes access to mentors, Elders, and land-based learning that build cultural, social, and economic skills.

Community Health and Well-being

Investing in community-driven initiatives that close gaps in health and well-being by supporting holistic activities that strengthen Inuit families and communities.

Education and Learning

Expanding access to lifelong learning opportunities, from cultural knowledge to formal credentials, that foster choice, hope, and participation in shaping the future of Nunavut.

Arts and Culture

Supporting organizations that create opportunities for Inuit artists to flourish. A thriving arts and culture sector strengthens community well-being, fosters healing, and provides powerful expressions of identity and environment.

Community-Identified Opportunities

Providing flexible funding that allows communities to respond quickly to emerging needs and opportunities, ensuring timely impact where it is most needed. This includes the annual Community Nominated Award, which directs $100,000 to a local organization chosen through nominations from the people they serve.

Several Inuktituk statues on a snowy hill, blue skies in background.

Guided by a Board of Directors who call Nunavut home, Annauma is dedicated to advancing community-led action across the territory.

Our Board includes Inuit leaders alongside long-standing Nunavummiut from diverse sectors such as business, education, government, policy and community development. They are recognized for their integrity, high ethical standards, and deep commitment to community well-being. The Board provides governance by setting strategic priorities, shaping policy, and guiding Annauma’s overall direction.

Current board members

Udloriak (Udlu) Hanson

Board Chair

Udloriak (Udlu) Hanson

Board Chair

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Shawn Lester

Treasurer

Shawn Lester

Treasurer

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Karliin Aariak

Director

Karliin Aariak

Director

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Gwendolyn Natsiq

Director

Gwendolyn Natsiq

Director

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Adamee Itorcheak

Director

Adamee Itorcheak

Director

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Team

Danielle Gibbie

Executive Director

Danielle Gibbie

Executive Director

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Sarah Verkley

Communications & Stewardship Specialist
Currently on Maternity Leave

Sarah Verkley

Communications & Stewardship Specialist

Currently on Maternity Leave

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Jessie Hale

Community Engagement Lead, Sector Development

Jessie Hale

Community Engagement Lead, Sector Development

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Joanne Weedmark

Community Engagement Lead, Consensus Granting

Joanne Weedmark

Community Engagement Lead, Consensus Granting

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Lisa Milosavljevic

Communications & Stewardship Specialist

Lisa Milosavljevic

Communications & Stewardship Specialist

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Employment opportunities

Annauma has no employment opportunities available at this time. Please visit us again for updates.