Iqaluit, Nunavut (February 14, 2024) – The Government of Nunavut (GN), Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and the Government of Canada today launched Inunnguqsaivik: Learning for a purpose.
This new learning support initiative will help ensure Nunavut Inuit have the skills and knowledge to manage stewardship of Nunavut’s lands, waters, and resources when these roles and responsibilities are transferred from the federal government to the GN. It will also support and connect with the many ongoing Inuit-led lands and resource stewardship initiatives in Nunavut.
Inunnguqsaivik will help Nunavut Inuit identify and access the education, training, and job experience needed to pursue careers in land stewardship and resource management. Learners will have access to a suite of academic and personal supports to ensure they have the resources they need for success.
Once enrolled in Inunnguqsaivik, learners will be connected to an online community with opportunities to meet and engage with their peers and have access to programming and events related to their learning journey. No minimum education level or job experience is necessary to get started. Various upgrading and relevant post-secondary programs have been selected that offer strong supports for Indigenous students and are in areas with active Inuit communities.
In August 2019, an Agreement in Principle (AIP) was signed by the three parties, establishing a pathway for the devolution of responsibilities associated with the stewardship and management of Nunavut public lands, waters, and resources in Nunavut from the federal government to the GN.
The agreement led to the development of the Transitional Human Resources Development Strategy for Devolution. Its main objective is to maximize Inuit employment at all levels within the complement of positions that will be created in the GN as a result of devolution, while supporting the GN’s human resource capacity to discharge the responsibilities it receives from the Government of Canada. Inunnguqsaivik was created to help achieve the goals and objectives of this strategy.
The final Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement was recently co-signed by the three parties on January 18, 2024. Devolution reflects and supports the priorities of Nunavut, providing greater control for decisions on lands and resources, and open the door for new revenue streams and economic development opportunities in the territory.
“I am proud of our work in partnership with the Government of Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. on the Inunnguqsaivik program. The implementation of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement rightly begins with ensuring Inuit and all Nunavummiut are prepared for the employment opportunities that will come. Signing the agreement for Namminiqsurniq was a crucial step in our political development, but today we truly look to our future as we launch this program for students on the path to careers in land and resource management in Nunavut.”
The Hon. P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut
“I encourage Inuit to take advantage of the assistance offered by Inunnuqsaivik, to further their education and to explore the exciting opportunities for work in land and resource management that will be available in the coming years.”
President Aluki Kotierk, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support Inunnguqsaivik to ensure that Inuit are provided with the training needed to ensure a representative workforce. We will continue to work in close partnership over the next three years with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Nunavut to implement the Nunavut Devolution Agreement and to ensure a smooth transition. This historic Agreement will help to create Northern-led jobs, opportunities, investments, and more prosperity for Inuit and all Nunavummiut, for generations to come.”
The Hon. Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
Individuals who are interested in training for a career in land and resource management can email inunnguqsaivik@gov.nu.ca. For more information, including an online intake form and the Inunnguqsaivik 2023-24 Academic Navigator resource, please visit https://www.gov.nu.ca/inunnguqsaivik.