Nunavik Residents Advocate for Culturally Grounded Post-Secondary Education
A recent public consultation report by Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (KI), the Nunavik school board, reveals that residents in the region are calling for a post-secondary institution that integrates traditional Inuit knowledge with Western academic standards and emphasizes learning on the land.
Sarah Aloupa, president of KI, expressed that the report echoes the long-standing desire of Nunavimmiut to take charge of their educational journey. The report, based on feedback from 423 residents gathered between October 2023 and March 2024, highlights the community’s aspirations for diverse educational opportunities close to home.
Residents emphasized the need for a wide range of programs, such as pilots, lawyers, doctors, and engineers, tailored to equip Inuit individuals with essential skills. Currently, there is no college or university campus in Nunavik.
In 2023, the Quebec Ministry of Higher Education (MES) proposed the establishment of the “Nunavik Institute” following a prefeasibility study. The envisioned institute would cater to approximately 340 students and 75 staff, offering culturally relevant programs and recognized certifications.
Aloupa announced KI’s support for the creation of the Nunavik Institute, emphasizing the importance of providing accessible higher education that resonates with the region’s cultural identity and aspirations. However, KI lacks jurisdiction over post-secondary education in Nunavik under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA).
Efforts are underway to explore alternative models for governing a post-secondary institution, such as renegotiating the JBNQA or establishing an independent entity with its own governance structure. In the interim, KI has collaborated with McGill University and John Abbott College to introduce post-secondary courses in Nunavik, including teaching certificates and specialized workshops.
Phebe Bentley, KI’s director of post-secondary student services, highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance access to post-secondary education and expressed optimism about launching full programs within three years. Bentley emphasized that a dedicated institution in Nunavik would break down barriers to higher education for residents, fostering self-determination and decolonization while inspiring youth to pursue their educational goals within their community.