First training programs announced for the Research Training Centre in Pond Inlet

Press Release

Iqaluit, Nunavut (June 3, 2026) – The Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) are pleased to announce the first education and training programs that will be delivered at the new Research Training Centre in Pond Inlet.

The announcement follows ongoing collaboration between the two parties since the March 5, 2025, signing of a memorandum of understanding to expand access to post-secondary education and skills training in Nunavut.

QIA is currently building the $34 million facility to make education, training and capacity building more accessible to Inuit. The facility is expected to be completed by July 2026.

NAC has confirmed that the following programs are planned to begin in Pond Inlet in September 2026:

• Personal Support Worker Program
• Interpreter/Translator (year 1)
• Fur production and design (year 1)

“I am proud of this memorandum of understanding, and believe this collaboration is an important best-case example of the combination of strengths and resources across organizations to make a difference for Inuit in our communities.” said the Honourable David Akeeagok, minister responsible for the Nunavut Arctic College.

“Education and training are essential to building a sustainable economy for Nunavut. By working together in partnership, we can create more opportunities for Inuit and help bring positive change to our communities. This is just the beginning,” said QIA President Olayuk Akesuk.

The Inuit-led Research and Training Centre is made possible through Inuit distinctions-based funding received from the Government of Canada, the Mary River Project Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, CanNor, and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

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Media Contact:

Kara Hoang
Manager, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Nunavut Arctic College
867-979-7318
kara.hoang@arcticcollege.ca

Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
(p) 867-975 8398 (TF) 1-800-667-2742
kflaherty@qia.ca

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