Fifty years ago, the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) marked a pivotal moment for the Inuit and Cree peoples of Quebec. This historic agreement represented the first official recognition of our territorial rights, our way of life, and our ability to make decisions for ourselves. In the field of education, it paved the way for a school system designed by and for Northern communities, deeply rooted in their cultural and linguistic realities.

As a result, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq — one of the first educational institutions in Canada to emerge directly from a modern treaty — was founded in 1975.

Even today, this agreement continues to live on through our daily work. All of our programs, projects, and educational decisions reflect our commitment to that founding promise. Over time, challenges and educational settings have evolved, but the spirit of the JBNQA, rooted in autonomy, collaboration, and the transmission of Inuit knowledge, continues to guide our collective journey.

A Strong Legacy: Education That Reflects Our Values

The JBNQA clearly affirmed Inuit’s rights to an education that respects their culture, their language, and their values. Fifty years later, that promise has taken the form of a comprehensive school system, which places students at the heart of a cultural and linguistic continuum specific to Nunavik.

From Inuktitut instruction starting in early childhood to adult education programs grounded in community life, every initiative is designed to enable students to learn without giving up who they are.

Our Sivumuattiit 2025–2030 Strategic Plan carries this vision forward. Developed following an extensive regional consultation, it focuses on three essential pillars: identity, language, and well-being. These priorities remind us that academic success cannot be separated from cultural continuity and a sense of belonging. They also express a shared desire to move forward together, in the spirit of what the JBNQA has made possible: education shaped by and for Nunavimmiut.

Arqusiurtiit: Rethinking Our Curriculum to Strengthen Our Autonomy

Among the major initiatives underway, the Arqusiurtiit Committee plays a central role. It was established to rethink Nunavik’s school curriculum and update its policy regarding the language of instruction. This committee came into being as a result of an in-depth review of Nunavik’s educational content and teaching practices. It brings together advisors, teachers, and experts, who work together to clarify student success pathways, review how instructional time is allocated, and develop a coherent approach to multilingual learning.

This work goes far beyond mere technical reform. It is a collective act of self-determination — a way to reflect on what we teach, how we teach it, and why. A key part of this process involves developing a new educational framework for Nunavik, grounded in an Inuit vision of knowledge and skills. This foundational work is carried out with great rigour and pride to shape the programs of the future in our schools.

The goal is for students to learn in an environment where Inuktitut, French, and English coexist harmoniously, without relegating Inuit knowledge to the background. This reform is taking place in the North, based on the needs voiced by communities, the realities of everyday school life, and the shared hopes we carry for future generations.

Building a Post-Secondary Institution in Nunavik

Our current efforts to establish a post-secondary institution in Nunavik represent another major step toward educational self-determination. Led by the Postsecondary Student Services department, with support from various regional and government partners, this project is based on the firm belief that young people should not have to leave their land, families, and culture to pursue higher education.

It’s not just a matter of physical proximity. It’s about redesigning post-secondary education through an Inuit lens, with programs that are relevant to Nunavik’s realities and rooted in Inuit culture, and with governance led by Nunavimmiut.

This institution would be fully aligned with the JBNQA’s mission to offer a comprehensive education system, from early childhood to university, designed and led by the people it serves.

Protecting Treaty Rights: Bill 14 and Its Impacts

Half a century after the signing of the JBNQA, its core principles still need to be protected. That’s why Kativik Ilisarniliriniq has initiated legal action to challenge Bill 14, adopted by the Quebec government.

This law introduces new language requirements for post-secondary students, and its impact is already being felt: some young Nunavimmiut have dropped out of school, others have seen their grades decline, and many feel discouraged by unfair barriers.

The legal action seeks to affirm that the law violates treaty-based language rights, including the right of JBNQA beneficiaries to pursue post-secondary studies in the language of their choice.

This is about more than education — it touches on the broader relationship between Inuit and the Quebec state. This struggle is a powerful reminder that self-determination also means defending acquired rights and remaining vigilant toward decisions that could undermine them.

A Living Legacy

Fifty years after the JBNQA was signed, we are not just looking back — we are preparing for the future. The momentum that began in 1975 lives on through the daily commitment of our teachers, education consultants, administrators, and community partners.

This journey reflects a vision that is still highly relevant: to ensure that every child, youth, and adult in Nunavik has the opportunity to learn, dream, and grow in alignment with their own culture and language.

Self-determination is not an abstract concept. It takes shape every day in our classrooms, our committees, our policies, and our programs. By continuing this mission, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq keeps the spirit of the JBNQA alive — a spirit of justice, respect, and responsibility toward future generations.