Saltapiaq—Nurturing Business, Nurturing our Land
Recently, seven dedicated individuals participated in a comprehensive Ilitaqsiniq program called Creating a Social Enterprise, designed to impart essential business skills and foster economics. Over four weeks, these participants learned hands-on skills of entrepreneurship as active members of the social enterprise Saltapiaq. They developed, created, marketed and sold locally sourced Tariuq Sea Salt—the product of their collaborative efforts.
Saltapiaq [SALT-APIAQ] draws its name from the Inuktitut term saattupiaq, meaning “skipping a flat rock on the water.” They are a proud social enterprise based in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, whose artisanal sea salt is harvested from the waters near Marble Island. Committed to giving back to the community that has nurtured them, Saltapiaq returns a percentage of their proceeds to Inuit organizations, thereby creating a cycle of empowerment and sustainability.
By working with Saltapiaq, participants were introduced to what it takes to engage in their own business while developing their business acumen, environmental stewardship and community support. Together, this is how we build a stronger, more vibrant Inuit business ecosystem.
This program is just one of Ilitaqsiniq’s many Work Readiness, Employment & Economic Development programs. These programs help participants build the skills, tools and resources necessary for engagement within the labour market, empowering Inuit while nurturing our land and our communities.
