Who we are.
Why we're here.
The Inuit Nunaat Fund exists to support Inuit-led solutions and shift how funding works in our communities. We’re building something that honours our past and invests in our future.
Our origin story
In June 2023, a group of courageous Inuit with deep lived experience in the north gathered in Qiqitagruq, Alaska to talk about our shared future and to craft a vision that builds on the unique cultural assets of our people across the circumpolar Arctic. With this vision in mind, the Inuit Nunaat Fund was born.
We believe in the power of Indigenous communities to imagine and to create a world we can thrive in – a world centered on our values and where we work to reclaim, restore and recommit to aspects of our lives that suffered through centuries of colonialism.
We strive to create safe spaces for Indigenous Peoples to actualize sovereignty in all its various forms and enable the reconceptualization of Indigenous Peoples as the bearers of rights, obligations and agents of their own destiny.
We take a strength and trauma-based approach to how we relate to each other and the communities around us by respecting their own unique histories and experiences. Ultimately, we want to be good ancestors to future generations so our children and grandchildren can know who they are, where they come from and thrive into the future living in our homelands. We center the importance of relationships in everything we do.
Rooted in Purpose, Led by Values
Our mission
To strengthen and support Inuit self-determination through accessible grantmaking and fellowships.
Our vision
A world where Inuit thrive on our homelands—building on the strengths of our ancestors and living in balance with the land, sea, and air.
Our values
Trusting in ourselves and each other
Having a perspective from a mountain top
Thinking holistically
Embracing creative thinking, being and doing
Practicing reciprocity, kindness, patience and generosity
Honouring our kinship ties to each other, the land and to all living beings
Building strong communities and being in it together
Creating safe spaces to share our truths
Theory of Change
Inuit Values As A Philanthropic Practice
The Inuit Nunaat Fund (INF) exists to strengthen Inuit self-determination by investing in the relationships, knowledge, and practices that sustain Inuit life, histories, and values across the Arctic. Our work is grounded by shared values, trust, and relationships amongst our staff, advisory council, donors, and community partners.
INF creates change by
Centering community- defined approaches
Reducing disparities and burdens
Supporting sustainability and resilience
Strengthening collaboration and solidarity.
Our people
We are a small group committed to building an Inuit-led fund that reflects the strength and diversity of our communities.
Napangcuk Katherine Leinberger is Sugpiaq from Ouzinkie on Kodiak Island and currently lives on Dena'ina Ełnena in Anchorage, AK. She has a BA in Alaska Native Studies and her work is driven by a desire to see all Indigenous people given the tools needed to lead and thrive.
Janine lives in Makkovik, Nunatsiavut, and is a passionate advocate for Inuit language and culture. She holds a degree in political science and native studies and leads initiatives like free Inuktitut classes, cultural workshops, and a memorial bursary for students.
Kunuk (Sandra) Inutiq is self-employed and works part-time with Pirurvik. She was the first Inuk woman in Nunavut to pass the bar. She's held roles at NTI, QIA, and MakeWay, focusing on Inuit self-government, legal negotiations, and policy advocacy.
Miaraq, a Gwich'in, Yup'ik, and Inupiaq philosopher with roots in Nenana, Hooper Bay, and Nome, advises the INF and works with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative to advance Indigenous-led land relationship planning and stewardship.
Amaasa, from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), was born and raised in Nuuk and is currently studying Sociology in Amsterdam. He will soon finish his studies and return home. He began with Inuit Nunaat Fund as a note taker and has gained much from his involvement.
Addy was born in Nome, Alaska, with roots in Mountain Village, Wales, and Europe. She is a passionate birthworker, shaped by lived experience, learning Inupiaq from her grandfather, and a deep commitment to truth, healing, and community-led work.
Ivalo, from Qaqortoq and based in Nuuk, holds a Master's in Education and is trained as a social pedagogue. While pursuing Ph.D. studies in Greenland she had a realization and now embraces her Indigeneity and now explores decolonizing early childhood education.
Aslak Holmberg comes from the village of Njuorggán, by the shores of the great River Deatnu, where he grew up fishing salmon. His work is deeply rooted in Indigenous rights and knowledge. He is a Sámi liaison in the advisory board.
Debbie Mekiana is from Anaktuvut Pass, Alaska. Her career has been guided by her commitment to serving Inuit students navigating western education. She has created more equitable and accommodating pathways for Inuit to achieve success as defined by our own communities.
Jessie's family is from Whale Cove in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. She was raised in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, with her late younger sister Kelly Fraser, growing up speaking Inuktitut and eating their favorite country foods. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to uplift Inuit and our sovereignty throughout our homelands and beyond.
Anne, an anthropologist and former professor at Bowdoin College, co-leads the Inuit Nunaat Fund. She previously managed Arctic grantmaking and a global fisheries portfolio at Oak Foundation and conducted community-based research in Nunavut.
Jesse is from Iqaluit, Nunavut, with family roots in Panniqtuuq. She lives in Iqaluit (Apex) with her partner and two children. She has a BA in Public Governance and Administration. Her work is rooted in advocating for Inuit well-being through policy.
Previous members
We are grateful for the foundational guidance and leadership of past advisors.
Dalee Sambo Dorough (Inuit–Alaska), PhD in Law, was an advisor and our first council chair. She has deep expertise in international Indigenous rights, shaped by work at the UN and other global bodies, academia, and leadership with Alaska Native Tribal Governments.
Vivi Vold is an Inuk Kalaaleq researcher from South Kalaallit Nunaat, raised in the values taught by the land, waters, and ancestral stories of Nanortalik and Narsarmijit. Her work centers Inuit sovereignty in knowledge, governance, and research practice, challenging the structures of Western science through Inuit-led ethics, land-based methodology, and relational accountability.
Our governing principles
We see consensus as a group decision-making process rooted in open communication, honesty, and trust.
We believe consensus is a group process of decision-making rooted in open communication, honesty, and trust. Everyone should feel safe to articulate their opinions and weigh the pros and cons of what’s being discussed. When not everyone agrees, we depersonalize decisions and return to our values—sometimes through singing, drumming, or time on the land. Voting is only a last resort. A designated Elder Seat offers guidance, and we remain mindful of linguistic differences.
We believe in the importance of working together as a collective, and understand the different styles of collaboration.
Advisory Council members believe in working together as a collective and understand the different styles of collaboration: relational, introspective, and expressive. Relational collaboration starts with connection, sometimes in smaller groups. Introspective collaborators need quiet time to reflect before sharing. Expressive collaborators thrive through visual engagement and brainstorming. All styles require deep trust and shape how we run effective meetings.
We value inclusivity, where everyone contributes to decisions and all voices are taken into account.
We value creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels a part of decision-making and has the opportunity to share their thoughts. We believe in the importance of rotating in new advisors to bring fresh community perspectives—especially by uplifting individuals who may have been marginalized. Inclusivity means actively creating space for voices that have been excluded or underrepresented in the past.
Our logo
Our logo was born out of a collaboration of artists across Inuit Nunaat: Keenan ‘Nooks’ Lindell - Nunavut, Jessica Winters – Nunatsiavut, Holly Mititquq Nordlum - Alaska, Seqininnguaq Qitura Lynge Poulsen – Kalalliit Nunaat.
The Qulliq
At the foundation of this design lies the Qulliq, a symbol of light, warmth, and togetherness. As diverse as we Inuit are, the Qulliq remains a strong, unifying symbol across our communities. The gentle flames rising from the Qulliq represent composure, patience, and resourcefulness, embodying the resilience that is integral to our way of life.
The Three Natchiit
Above the Qulliq are three Natchiit: the Western Natchiq, Central Natchiq, and Eastern Natchiq—each representing an artist involved in this collaborative work. These figures celebrate the unique design elements from our respective regions.
The Eastern Natchiq
is adorned with the Eye of the Universe, a design feature long associated with Alaskan Inuit art.
The Western Natchiq
is decorated with a series of concentric circles, inspired by the intricate Sila tattoos symbols of the Kalaallit Nunaamiut. This design also acknowledges the natural form of ringed seal qihik.
The Central Natchiq
features the pukiq and akuk of an amautik, which are iconic representations of the Central Arctic's enduring clothing designs.
Coming together
The playful, swimming Natchiit evoke the warmth and movement of the flames rising from the Qulliq. They symbolize the joyful spirit and resilience that define Inuit life. Through these figures, we express our pride in the community's ability to come together, supporting one another with warmth and generosity.
