Ottawa (February 11, 2026) – Premier John Main and Minister of Education and Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College David Akeeagok today welcomed an announcement by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) that Arviat, Nunavut, will be the home of the new Inuit Nunangat University.
An Inuit-led university in Nunavut fills a significant gap in education for Inuit, who will no longer have to leave the territory or northern Canada to access higher education grounded in Inuit language, Inuit worldviews and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. An Inuit university in Nunavut is a generational investment in reconciliation and Arctic sovereignty that will build local capacity in critical sectors such as education, health care, governance, and environmental stewardship, ensuring Inuit leadership in areas that shape their communities and lands.
“I commend the tireless work done by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami over the years to make this dream turn into a reality. This university will have a big impact beyond my home community of Arviat where it will be located,” said Premier Main, MLA for Arviat North-Whale Cove. “Inuit Nunangat University reflects the strength of Inuit self-determination in education. The establishment of a university in Nunavut, is an investment in people and communities where Inuit knowledge and values will guide learning and research.”
“As the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Arctic College, I appreciate that post-secondary learning can positively transform students, graduates, their families and communities,” said Minister Akeeagok. “I welcome the news that the headquarters of the Inuit Nunangat University will be located in Nunavut, and I remain committed to ensuring the complementary efforts of these two post secondary institutes meet the needs of Nunavut, Inuit Nunangat, the circumpolar world, and beyond. The experience of Nunavut, Inuit and Nunavummiut will continue to inform how we teach the world about our lives, and will help us as we continue to shape our future.”
To learn more about Inuit Nunangat University, visit the ITK website.