The Inuit Self-Determination Fellowship 2027–2028 is now accepting applications from Inuit leaders committed to reclaiming, revitalizing, and strengthening Inuit culture and self-determination. Established by the Inuit Nunaat Fund (INF), this prestigious 18-month fellowship will support nine Inuit Fellows with a US$120,000 grant, leadership development opportunities, international gatherings, and a self-directed cultural or community project.
Designed to invest directly in Inuit knowledge holders, language teachers, rights advocates, hunters, artists, educators, and community leaders, the fellowship recognizes the vital work many Inuit already undertake—often without financial compensation—to strengthen families, communities, and future generations across Inuit Nunaat.
The Inuit Self-Determination Fellowship is a flagship leadership program created to empower Inuit individuals who are actively advancing Inuit culture and collective self-determination. Rather than prescribing projects or research agendas, the fellowship provides participants with the financial freedom and supportive network needed to pursue work on their own terms.
Beginning in January 2027 and concluding in June 2028, the fellowship combines virtual learning, international in-person gatherings, peer collaboration, and an independently designed project that reflects each Fellow’s vision and priorities.
Every two years, nine Fellows from across Inuit Nunaat are selected to participate in this transformative program.
Fellowship Benefits
Each selected Fellow will receive a comprehensive package of financial and leadership support valued at US$120,000, paid in installments throughout the fellowship period.
The fellowship includes:
- US$120,000 grant for individual leadership and community work
- 18-month fellowship from January 2027 to June 2028
- Regular virtual meetings with fellow participants
- Two fully supported international in-person gatherings
- A self-directed project chosen and led by the Fellow
- Access to a supportive network of Inuit leaders across Inuit Nunaat
The program emphasizes collaboration rather than competition, creating space for Fellows to exchange knowledge, strengthen relationships, and advance Inuit-led solutions to community challenges.
Who Is Eligible?
The fellowship is open to individual applicants or nominated individuals who meet the eligibility criteria established by the Inuit Nunaat Fund.
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be an Inuk with family and cultural roots in Inuit Nunaat
- Be a resident of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), Denmark, Canada, or the United States
- Be actively reclaiming, revitalizing, celebrating, or advancing Inuit culture and self-determination
- Be willing and able to participate in virtual meetings, international travel, and an 18-month fellowship program
The Inuit Nunaat Fund uses the term Inuk inclusively to recognize the diverse Inuit peoples throughout Inuit Nunaat, including Kalaallit, Inuvialuit, Inupiat, Inuinnait, Yupiit, Sugpiat, Unangan, Cup’iit, and other Indigenous Inuit identities.
Application Requirements
Applications are submitted as individuals, while nominations may also be made on behalf of deserving Inuit leaders.
A complete application must include:
- A completed application or nomination form
- One support letter from a trusted person who is not a family member
- One support letter from the applicant’s community or a local organization
Support letters must be submitted by email to the fellowship team as part of the application process.
Fellowship Timeline
The 2027–2028 fellowship follows a structured selection process beginning in September 2026.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 16 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 16 October 2026 |
| Interviews & Selection | October–November 2026 |
| Fellows notified | November 2026 |
| Fellowship package issued | December 2026 |
| Fellowship begins | January 2027 |
How to Apply Successfully
Prospective Fellows should focus on demonstrating their long-term commitment to Inuit culture, community wellbeing, and self-determination rather than producing a conventional academic proposal.
Strong applications typically highlight:
- Meaningful community leadership and cultural engagement
- Clear personal vision for advancing Inuit self-determination
- A realistic and impactful self-directed project
- Strong endorsements from respected community members and organizations
Applicants should also begin requesting their support letters early to ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Many Inuit leaders dedicate their lives to preserving language, protecting cultural traditions, defending Indigenous rights, teaching traditional knowledge, and strengthening community wellbeing without sustainable financial support. The Inuit Self-Determination Fellowship directly addresses this challenge by investing in individuals rather than institutions.
By providing unrestricted financial support alongside leadership development and peer collaboration, the fellowship enables Inuit changemakers to deepen their impact while strengthening the collective future of Inuit communities across Greenland, Canada, Denmark, and the United States.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Inuit Self-Determination Fellowship 2027–2028 is 16 October 2026.
Interested applicants may apply online, submit their application by email, or receive application assistance by telephone through the Inuit Nunaat Fund.
