From Challenge to Change: Nunavut's Smart Cities Success Story

Funding provided through the Smart Cities Challenge

Nunavut communities are prioritizing the well-being of Nunavummiut youth through the innovative Katinnganiq Makerspace Network (KMN). Their mission addresses a pressing issue: Nunavut's suicide rate, which stands at a staggering ten times the national average. Through strengthened support networks and mental health initiatives, they are helping create a brighter future for the youth of Nunavut.

The Katinnganiq Makerspace Network is deeply rooted in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, the Inuit knowledge system and worldview, providing the foundations for social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and physical well-being. Within this network, youth are equipped with the tools to connect and honour their heritage and language through the use of technology.

Makerspaces are more than just a physical space; they are havens for learning, growth, and gaining new skills while preserving and celebrating Inuit culture.

Nunavut Communities are facilitating more than architects of spaces; they are architects of empowerment. The Katinnganiq Makerspace Network helps shape a brighter and more inclusive future for Nunavut's youth. Through the integration of technology, the celebration of culture, and the unwavering support provided, this initiative is illuminating a trail towards health, wellness, and prosperity for generations to come.

For more information, visit:

• $10 Million Prize Category Winner: Nunavut Communities, Nunavut
• Katinnganiq

What is the Smart Cities Challenge?

The Smart Cities Challenge (SCC) is a Government of Canada initiative that urged communities to adopt a smart cities approach to improve residents' lives through innovation, data, and connected technology. SCC has helped enable innovative and transformative change across Canadian communities. Nunavut Communities is one of four winners.

Quick facts about the Smart Cities Challenge

• The Smart Cities Challenge was launched in 2017, encouraging communities of all sizes from across the country to take bold action to improve outcomes for their residents by applying a smart cities approach that leverages connected technologies and data.
• The first round of the Smart Cities Challenge is closed. The Government of Canada announced the four winners (City of Montréal, Québec; Nunavut Communities, Nunavut; City of Guelph and County of Wellington, Ontario; and Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia) on May 14, 2019.
• Nunavut Communities won one of the two $10M Smart Cities Challenge prizes.