The Kativik School Board continues to discuss the importance of keeping aboriginal languages alive and strong

Press Release

The Kativik School Board continues to discuss the importance of keeping aboriginal languages alive and strong

After speaking to the Kuujjuaraapik Inuit on October 21, the Kativik School Board delivered its message to the Kuujjuaraapik Cree, on Radio W.A.T.A – 96.5 FM, on October 22, 2015.

Alicie Nalukturuk (Kativik School Board President) discussed the Kativik School Board policy on the languages of instruction. She stresses the importance of providing education entirely in Inuktitut. At the Kativik School Board, students are taught in Inuktitut from kindergarten to grade 3 to ensure that they have a strong basis in their mother tongue. In order to obtain their secondary studies diploma, they also have to take an Inuktitut language final exam.

Alicie Nalukturuk also acknowledged the specific reality of Kuujjuaraapik, where English is often spoken at home due to mixed marriages between the Cree and Inuit communities. She encouraged parents to make a point of speaking to their child in their Inuktitut or Cree mother tongue.

Finally she also encouraged parents to keep their children in the same school throughout their entire schooling. She pointed out that the shuffling of students that is occurring between the two Kuujjuaraapik schools has a negative effect on the students’ ability to learn. Stability and continuity are essential for learning to take place.

All photos: Jade Duchesneau-Bernier

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