From One Week to a Lifetime: Hannah Irniq’s Journey in Education
When I visited Arsaniq School in 2021, I wanted to meet with veteran teacher Hannah Irniq. At the time, she was starting to think about retirement, but was still passionate about being in the classroom. Four years down the road, she continues to be a steady and inspiring presence at Arsaniq School.
Hannah Irniq’s teaching career began unexpectedly in 1990, when she was asked to fill in for a one-week substitute role. That week turned into a lifelong vocation. “I wanted to try teaching, to see if I would like it. And here I am, 32 years later!” she says with a laugh, reflecting on her journey.
Though she initially considered a career in nursing, she quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. After working in retail and office roles, she found herself drawn to teaching—a decision that would shape her life and her community.
Over the years, Hannah taught kindergarten through Grade 4, always in her hometown of Kangiqsujuaq. Her commitment to education led her to pursue formal qualifications at McGill University; she earned a Certificate in Education: First Nations and Inuit in 1999, followed by a Bachelor of Education in 2019. These programs not only enhanced her teaching skills but also had a profound impact on her personal life.
The courses offered through Kativik Ilisarniliriniq’s teacher training program helped me a lot, you know. Not just with the teaching, but also in my life, in my relationships with my family—my own siblings, my children and my grandchildren.
Hannah’s love for mathematics made her a natural fit to teach and develop math courses for fellow educators across Nunavik. She collaborated with McGill consultants to create culturally relevant teaching materials, ensuring that the language used and the concepts taught reflect her community’s realities. “I created a lot of different materials… Some of the language had to be adapted too, so I worked with other experienced teachers to make sure the materials we are using reflect how we name things here.”
Storytelling is another cornerstone of Hannah’s teaching philosophy. Drawing from the rich oral traditions passed down by her mother and aunt, she uses stories to engage students and impart life lessons. “Stories are essential; they come with teachings about life… For me, whenever I face a situation, I have memories of stories that my mom or my aunt told me, and it helps me decide what to do.”
Now, as she continues to teach while thinking about retirement, Hannah is focused on mentoring the next generation. Some of her former students are becoming teachers themselves. “Well, I would need a teacher trainee. It would be good to pass on what I know to a younger teacher,” she reflects.
Outside the classroom, Hannah enjoys camping in Akulivik with her husband. There, they relax without phones or internet, surrounded by nature. Her future plans are simple: “Stay home. Really, after more than 30 years of working all the time, I want to stay home, go camping and relax.”
Hannah Irniq’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and deep cultural connection. What began as a temporary role has become a lasting contribution to her community’s future.
