Qikiqtani Truth Commission resources to support the implementation of the made-in-Nunavut curriculum

Press Release

Iqaluit, Nunavut (November 2, 2023) – The Government of Nunavut (GN) Department of Education is partnering with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) to develop age-appropriate educational resources that incorporate historical material from the Qikiqtani Truth Commission (QTC) reports.

The QIA and Department of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding recognizing common goals of culturally reflective education, with an emphasis on Inuit language learning.

A collaborative team comprising educators and staff from both the QIA and the Department of Education will produce teaching guides, theme kits, and student journals. The materials will span all grade levels. The focus is to provide resources that educate children on the historical events and decisions impacting Inuit of the Qikiqtani region.

“This important work aligns with our department’s made-in-Nunavut curriculum development plan, as well as the recommendations from the Qikiqtani Truth Commission’s Final Report,” said Minister of Education Pamela Hakongak Gross. “Our goal is to ensure Inuit culture, language, and history are foundational in the educational programming for children from Grades 1 through 12 in the Qikiqtani region.”

The content developed through this project will primarily be used to support and enrich social studies, Inuktut and English languages, and health and wellness. Other subjects will also benefit from this educational initiative.

“The content and supporting resources created will be age and grade appropriate for Nunavut students. We are happy to see the QTC’s final report and recommendation realized and implemented, and I look forward to seeing finished products being taught in Nunavut schools.” said President of QIA Olayuk Akesuk

This multi-year project and partnership is expected to produce many more relevant resources and content, which will incorporate nicely into Nunavut’s education system and curricular learning outcomes across the territory.

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Media Contact:

Matthew Illaszewicz
Director, Stakeholder Engagement
Department of Education
Government of Nunavut
867-975-5649
info.edu@gov.nu.ca

Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
867-975-8398
kflaherty@qia.ca

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