Montreal, Qc. (June 12, 2018) – Kativik Ilisarniliriniq is glad to announce that the Quebec Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEES) approved funds for the construction of a new secondary school in Inukjuak and 6 new housing units in Puvirnituq.

“I am really glad to confirm the announcement made last week during the school board’s Council of Commissioners meeting held in Montreal,” said Alicie Nalukturuk, Vice-President of Kativik Ilisarniliriniq. “The approval of the school construction project is the result of sustained advocacy efforts from the school board. I would also like to thank Inukjuammiut for their trust throughout this lengthy process,” she added.

The MEES approved a total of $36,856,234 for the construction of a new secondary school in Inukjuak, and a total of $4,563,450 for 6 housing units in Puvirnituq. Last week, the Council of Commissioners approved the selection of the architects and engineers who will work on the Inukjuak school project. The construction of the Puvirnituq housing units will take place this summer.

“The school board will involve the community in the next steps, namely the design of the school; the site for the new school was selected by the Northern Village of Inukjuak and the school board three years ago,” said Ms. Nalukturuk.

Inukjuammiut are invited to participate in a community meeting on Thursday June 14, at 6:30 pm, at Innalik School, to share their ideas on a proposed design for the new school.

Since 2014, thirteen projects for school construction, school expansion and housing construction have been submitted to the MEES. Of these, only three projects have now been approved. The projects for which ministerial approvals are currently pending include: the expansion of Ikusik School in Salluit, the expansion of Tukisiniarvik School in Akulivik, housing units for staff in Kuujjuaq, Akulivik, Aupaluk, Tasiujaq, Kangirsuk and Puvirnituq, the construction of heated bus garages in Kuujjuaq, Puvirnituq, Kuujjuaraapik and Umiujaq, and the relocation of the school board’s Montreal offices to Nunavik.

About us:

Kativik Ilisarniliriniq was created in 1975, under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). Since 1978, it has been the exclusive provider of educational services to all Nunavik residents. Under the JBNQA, the school board also acts as an institution with unique powers and jurisdiction geared towards the protection and development of the Inuit language, culture, and way of life, through the delivery of tailored educational services and programs. The education programs developed by the school board are offered in all schools of the 14 Nunavik communities, in Inuktitut as first language and in French and English as second languages. The school board operates 17 primary and secondary schools as well as 5 adult education centres and a pre-college facility. More information can be found at: www.kativik.qc.ca

— 30 —

For information, please contact:

Jade Duchesneau-Bernier
Communications Coordinator
514-482-8220 ext. 309 | publicrelations@kativik.qc.ca