https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/report-finds-bilingual-inuktitut-education-not-being-properly-implemented-in-nunavut-1.7542169

Bilingual Inuktitut Education not being used properly implement In Nunavut, report finds.

The report found a lack of sufficient resources and not enough appropriate teaching spaces.

A new report has found that bilingual Inuktitut education is not being properly implemented in Nunavut schools and Child care centres

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/report-finds-bilingual-inuktitut-education-not-being-properly-implemented-in-nunavut-1.7542169

This legislative gap represents a fundamental barrier to self-determination and a missed opportunity to harness the immense knowledge and capacity that exists within our territory.

For the past 19 years, the community-led Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre in Iqaluit has operated like a “mini university” — without the ability to grant a degree. In this time, Qaujigiartiit has brought more than $60 million in research and training funding into Nunavut.

The centre is independent and does not have any affiliation with a university or government. It does not even have core funding.

Despite chronic underfunding and a national granting system that privileges the ‘U15’ (the 15 largest research universities in Canada), Qaujigiartiit has been successful to date because of the spirit of collaboration across Nunavut to achieve what we as community members know in our hearts to be possible.

Our people are our greatest strength. Having more post-secondary options in our territory would help us harness that strength.

Nunavummiut deserve the best possible education from early childhood to graduate school. A university and degree-granting capability — simply having the ability to provide university credits for Nunavut-led education and training — are an important part of the learning continuum.

The absence of a post-secondary education act has created a paradoxical situation where community-led educational institutions must seek validation from southern universities to accredit programs that are deeply rooted in Inuit knowledge and teaching approaches.

This requirement for external validation runs counter to the very principles of self-determination that led to the creation of Nunavut.

Our territory possesses rich educational traditions and innovative approaches to learning that deserve recognition in their own right. Yet without proper legislative recognition, these valuable knowledge systems must continually seek legitimacy through southern institutions that may not fully grasp their significance.

The impact of this legislative void extends beyond philosophical concerns. Each year, many Nunavummiut who wish to pursue post-secondary education must leave the territory to do so.

This exodus of talent creates both personal and community challenges as students face the additional burdens of geographical displacement and cultural adjustment alongside their academic pursuits.

Nunavut Arctic College is our only post-secondary institution and has demonstrated innovation in delivering community- and culturally-relevant programs throughout the territory.

More institutions in Nunavut, like Qaujigiartiit, as well as Pirurvik and others, can provide both undergraduate and graduate-level training but are prevented from providing credits by the current legislative gap — unless a university outside of the territory is the partner.

The time has come for Nunavut to join every other Canadian jurisdiction in establishing comprehensive post-secondary education legislation. Such legislation would empower our institutions to develop and deliver programs that reflect our unique context and needs, validate our educational approaches such as land-based learning, and support the growth of home-grown academic.

This is not merely about administrative alignment with other Canadian jurisdictions — it’s about recognizing and enabling Nunavut’s capacity to shape our collective educational future.

As we look toward the next quarter-century of territorial development, establishing a post-secondary education act must be a priority. Our youth — our children and grandchildren — deserve the opportunity to pursue higher education that honours who they are while preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow, right here in Nunavut.

As part of its Education business Plan 2019-2022 the Department of Education has prioritized updating the childcare act and regulations. The Canada-Nunavut Early Learning and Child Care agreement 2017-2020 provided Nunavut with approximately 7.2 million for early learning and childcare over 3 years. The funding agreement was extended to March 2021. Inuit, Métis and First Nations people residing in Nunavut also receive funding under the 10 year 1.2 billion federal agreement for early learning and childcare for First Nations. Starting in 2018-2019, up to 111 million over 11 years is being made available through the Inuit early learning and childcare agreement to support culturally-responsive early learning and childcare for Inuit families. The program is managed in partnership with Inuit leaders.

Improved licensing requirements and duties for operators to enhanced safety and accountability.

Creation of the early learning and childcare council.

Expanded accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity for family across the territory.

Enhanced support for the well-being of children, caregivers and educators.

As children makes sense of their place in the world and their relationships with all living things, their identities begin to take shape and their unique gift and capabilities emerge

Significant step forward in prioritizing the well-being and education on Nunavut children , the act also introduce critical updates

We conducted consultations in 14 communities: Arviat, Coral Harbour, Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Pond Inlet, Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Sanikiluaq, Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Gjoa Haven, Igloolik, and Kimmirut. These discussions involved a range of stakeholders, including families, early childhood educators, Inuit organizations, and local leaders. Additionally, 199 online survey responses provided valuable insights to ensure the proposed legislation supports high-quality, Inuit-centred early learning and child care

The government of Nunavut and Nunavut teachers association have ratified a new collective agreement with several incremental wage increases until med-2028

Teacher will receive a nine per cent wage increase when the agreement comes into effect in July and another three per cent increase in July 2026 and July 2027.

Teacher will also become eligible for bonuses for continuous service, like other employees for the territorial government and enhanced pay for inuktut language skill.

Early childhood Educator (ECE) are known for their dedication and passion. Their work is deeply woven into the fabric of our communities, and they spend a substantial amount of time with children at a crucial developmental stage in children’s lives.

The nurturing environment that ECEs provide enables the children that they work to shape our future and they are helping to raise children into capable and whole people.

It has been said that it takes a village ti raise a child. ECEs play a pivotal role in laying the foundation of lifelong learnings, instilling values that our children can follow.

Join Nunavummiut this October 28th to honour and celebrate ECEs across the territory.! Celebration materials and updates will be shared ahead of time on this page to support centres and communities in planning their own appreciation activities.