Inukjuak, Nunavik, QC (April 8, 2013) – This week, students at the Innalik School in Inukjuak will be talking live to Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, Commander of the International Space Station. The radio contact will occur on Friday April 12, 2013, at 13h30, while the International Space Station travels over Inukjuak, about 400 km above the earth.

“Our students have been preparing questions for astronaut Chris Hadfield” says Haley Digel, teacher at the Innalik School. “The space contact is an exciting activity, which offers the opportunity to introduce scientific notions to our students in a very concrete manner”, adds Digel.

During the space contact, the Innalik School will also welcome members of the Inukjuak community. “This program plays an important role in energizing our students’ interest in science and technology”, says Paul Bourassa, Innalik School Principal. “It is great that parents and community members are able to participate along with our students”, he continues.

During the days preceding the radio contact with astronaut Chris Hadfield, students will be offered workshops on the phenomenon of northern lights. If the weather allows, a nighttime observation excursion is also planned.

For the past years, this special program was offered to Nunavik schools under the sponsorship of the Makivik Corporation, First Air and Air Inuit. The program is coordinated by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

About us:

The Kativik School Board (KSB) was created in 1975, under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Since 1978, it has been the exclusive provider of academic services to the Nunavik population. Education programs developed by the KSB are offered in schools of the 14 Nunavik communities, in Inuktitut as first language and in French and English as second languages. More information at: www.kativik.qc.ca

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For information contact:

Kaudjak Padlayat
Public Relations Officer
Kativik School Board
(514) 482-8220
publicrelations@kativik.qc.ca