Kativik Ilisarniliriniq Publishes a Landmark Report on Nunavimmiut’s Vision of Post-Secondary Education in Their Region

Kuujjuaq (Qc.) October 21, 2025 – Kativik Ilisarniliriniq is proud to announce the release of a comprehensive report, which follows public consultations held across all 14 Nunavik communities in 2023–2024. The report reveals overwhelming support for the creation of a post-secondary institution in Nunavik—one rooted in Inuit values, language, and culture and capable of offering recognized certification both within and beyond the region.

The consultations engaged over 400 Nunavimmiut through surveys, radio call-ins, and in-person sessions. Participants emphasized the need for culturally grounded education, land-based learning, and programs that reflect both Inuit knowledge and Western academic standards.

The report presents an analysis of Nunavimmiut’s vision of a post-secondary education institution, articulated around four axes: Inuit values and Inuit Qaujimausingit, curriculum and educational approaches, location, and governance. From this standpoint, looking at possible institutional models, the report concludes that a Nunavik Institute would allow Nunavimmiut’s voices to be heard. In 2023, a MES-commissioned pre-feasibility study examined five different post-secondary institutional models. It also recommended the creation of a Nunavik Institute.

“Like an independent CEGEP, this institute would bring together the strengths of local governance, culturally relevant programming, public funding, and recognized certifications. It could offer both college and university-level programs under one roof—an approach many of the public consultations participants felt would meet the need for a more integrated and flexible educational pathway,” said Phebe Bentley, Director of Post-Secondary Education Services at Kativik Ilisarniliriniq.

“This report confirms what we have known for decades: Nunavimmiut are ready to lead their own educational future,” said Mme. Sarah Aloupa, President of Kativik Ilisarniliriniq. “Today, following up on a resolution it adopted in March 2025, the Council of Commissioners reiterated its support for the creation of a Nunavik Institute, an independent non-governmental Inuit post-secondary institution spearheaded by Kativik Ilisarniliriniq. This move aligns with the Council’s view that our youth deserve access—in their region—to higher education that reflects who they are, where they come from, and where they want to go.”

Kativik Ilisarniliriniq will continue working with Makivvik to develop a legal and institutional framework that meets the aspirations expressed during the public consultations. Collaboration with the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur of Quebec (MES) also continues, with the objective of exploring, among other things, the development of college and university level programs and courses, thereby laying the foundations on which an institute can be created.

Read the full report here.

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.

— 30 —

For information, please contact:

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