Montreal (QC), June 5, 2025 – Kativik Ilisarniliriniq is proud to announce the launch of the Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit (CEFNI), a new full-time university-level program developed in partnership with McGill University. This initiative is designed to prepare Nunavimmiut to become qualified teachers, with a focus on teaching in Inuktitut and teaching this language as a subject.

Beginning September 2, 2025, the two-year, 60-credit certificate program will be offered in Kuujjuaq, allowing students to pursue a McGill University education without leaving Nunavik. Unlike the existing part-time Teacher Training program available exclusively to current Kativik Ilisarniliriniq employees, this new full-time program is open to the public. It offers broader access to university-level teacher training for Nunavimmiut who are interested in beginning a career in education.

“This program is a major step forward in supporting Nunavimmiut who want to teach in their language and strengthen education in their communities,” said Harriet Keleutak, Director General of Kativik Ilisarniliriniq. “It’s about building confidence, capacity, and cultural pride,” she added.

This new full-time university program is made possible thanks to funding recently approved by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur (MES). This initiative would not be possible without its support.

Students will gain essential teaching skills, including classroom management, curriculum planning, and instructional strategies tailored to the Nunavik context. The program includes three practical work experiences in Nunavik schools, giving students hands-on opportunities to apply what they learn.

Graduates will be eligible for a Nunavik teaching licence issued by the Quebec Ministry of Education. Should they pursue employment with Kativik Ilisarniliriniq after graduating, they could also continue their studies part-time through our Teacher Training program. The certificate credits can be cumulated towards a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Kindergarten and Elementary Education – First Nations and Inuit Studies offered to Kativik Ilisarniliriniq employees by McGill University.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Hold a Secondary School Diploma.
• Be a beneficiary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA).

Apply Now

Applications are now open for the Fall 2025 cohort. Learn more here.
📅 Program Start Date: September 2, 2025
📍 Location: Kuujjuaq
📩 Questions? Unsure if you qualify? Contact the program team.

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, as well as 6 adult education centres. For more information, visit kativik.qc.ca.

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For information, please contact:

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