Groundbreaking Ceremony Celebrates Major Educational Investment in Quaqtaq

Quaqtaq (Qc.) September 2, 2026 – Kativik Ilisarniliriniq is proud to mark a major milestone for the community of Quaqtaq with a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the official start of construction of the community’s new Isummasaqvik school.

This new school project represents one of the most significant educational infrastructure investments undertaken in Nunavik. Designed to serve students from Kindergarten through Secondary V, the new facility will provide modern, culturally relevant learning environments and will have a capacity of approximately 250 students. The school’s projected completion date is 2030.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is an important moment for the community members of Quaqtaq,” said Sarah Alpupa, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq President. “The new school will help meet current and future educational needs while providing inspiring learning spaces that reflect the community’s identity and support student success.”

The architectural concept, developed by MLS + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes en consortium, draws inspiration from the umiak, the traditional Inuit boat used for transportation and harvesting. The building’s design incorporates flowing forms and curved volumes that evoke movement across the water, creating a strong connection to Inuit culture.

AtkinsRéalis is responsible for the mechanical and electrical engineering design of this project, while EXP is responsible for the civil and structural engineering.

Following years of planning and development, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq awarded the construction contract to Les Constructions Pépin et Fortin Inc. in January 2026, formally advancing the project into its construction phase. The project was first approved for funding by the Ministère de l’Éducation in 2020 and subsequently completed the required government approval process for major infrastructure projects.

Event Details:

📍 New School Construction Site, Quaqtaq, Nunavik
🗓️ September 2, 2026
🕥 10:30 a.m.

About us:

Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, the school board of Nunavik, 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 18 primary and secondary schools along with 6 adult education centres. For more information, visit kativik.qc.ca.

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For information, please contact:

Jade Duchesneau Bernier
Director of Communications
514 797-8220 or 1 800 361-2244 ext. 309
publicrelations@kativik.qc.ca