Nunavik Prepares for New Teacher Training Residence Opening

A new student residence for aspiring teachers in Nunavik is set to open on August 26, 2023, in Kuujjuaq. This facility will support students enrolled in the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit program, marking the introduction of the first post-secondary education initiative in the region. Classes will be conducted by professors from McGill University in temporary classrooms located behind the Jaanimmarik school, with plans for permanent facilities to follow.

The initiative aims to provide greater educational opportunities for Nunavimmiut, particularly in light of the ongoing shortage of teachers in the area. “We want to give more opportunities to Nunavimmiut to build our future, because it’s the kids that are really going to benefit from this,” said Victoria Gordon, program co-ordinator at Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, the regional school board. “We’re working together to address that issue to help our families and communities strengthen education, especially in Inuktitut.”

Previously, individuals from Nunavik seeking higher education had to travel to southern Canada. Now, the new residence will enable local students to remain closer to home while pursuing their studies. Mamadou Diop, director of adult education and vocational training services at Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, emphasized the importance of the residence: “We wouldn’t be able to do it if we didn’t have that residence to welcome other students from different communities.”

Facility Highlights and Future Plans

The residence, located on Chimo Street opposite the Co-op store, comprises six temporary portable classrooms, office space, and a kitchen. Future plans include constructing permanent classrooms adjacent to the two-storey residence, which will accommodate single parents and families with children. Applications for the program are currently open to beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement who hold a high school diploma and are aged 21 or older. The program is fully funded by Quebec’s Ministry of Education, with applications closing on July 30, 2023.

So far, 12 applications have been received, with a total of 20 spots available. The residence can host up to 80 to 90 individuals, featuring family rooms and single rooms. The building spans over 26,000 square feet, roughly equivalent to one and a half NHL hockey rinks. The total cost of the facility, including architectural studies and construction, reached $55 million, funded by Quebec’s education ministry.

Amenities include an outdoor playground, common areas for cultural activities, workout and entertainment rooms, and a dedicated babysitting service. The industrial kitchen will be staffed with full-time cooks, alleviating the burden on students and enabling them to concentrate on their coursework.

Educational Opportunities and Future Prospects

The official opening of the residence will coincide with the arrival of students on September 2, 2023, who will begin the two-year program. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate allowing them to teach in Inuktitut within Nunavik. Graduates may also apply for positions at the school board or continue their studies in McGill University’s teaching program to earn a Bachelor of Education degree tailored for First Nations and Inuit.

Teachers hired to work in Nunavik will have the opportunity to pursue their studies at McGill concurrently. As Jade Bernier, spokesperson for Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, noted, funding for the teaching program was approved earlier this spring, prompting the board to work diligently to ensure the program’s launch aligns with the new residence’s opening. This initiative not only aims to address the immediate need for teachers but also seeks to empower future generations in Nunavik through education.