NUNAVUT
Mobilizing parents, increasing the number of bilingual teachers and programs and expanding early-education programs are three of the 10 recommendations in a strategy aimed at improving Inuit education.

First Canadians, Canadians First: The National Strategy on Inuit Education was unveiled in Ottawa on June 16 by the National Committee on Inuit Education, made up of representatives from the federal, provincial, territorial and regional governments, school boards as well as regional and national Inuit organizations.

The strategy focuses on education in early childhood, K-12 and post-secondary programs in the four Inuit regions in this country, including Nunavut.

The National Committee on Inuit Education spent two years on the strategy.

"Our objective is nothing less than to graduate children confident in the Inuit language and culture and capable of contributing with pride to the emerging opportunities in Canada's Arctic," NCIE chairwoman Mary Simon stated in a press release. "

With roughly 75 per cent of children not completing high school, the strategy aims to help students stay in school and graduate bilingually literate in an Inuit language and either French or English, and increase the number of bilingual teachers.

The strategy also recommends developing a program on leadership in education, improving services to students who require additional support and increasing Inuit participation in post-secondary education.

It also calls for the creation of an Inuit-centred curriculum, the establishment of a Northern university, and a standardized Inuit language writing system.

The territorial government agrees with the strategy in principle, Premier and Education Minister Eva Aariak stated in a press release.

"It is important that we share best practices that come from implementing the Nunavut Education Act," she stated.

In a press release, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. executive member Okalik Eegeesiak stated she supports the recommendations.

"Inuit are asking for equal opportunity to access education, training and development that are based on our own language and culture, which are privileges enjoyed by other Canadians," she stated. "Our vision for Inuit education, training and development will make for healthier Inuit communities."

The report recommends implementing the recommendations over a five- to 10-year period.

Fact file

Recommendations

for Inuit education:

1. Mobilizing parents.

2. Developing leaders in Inuit education.

3. Increasing the number of bilingual educators and programs.

4. Investing in the early years.

5. Strengthening kindergarten to Grade 12 by investing in Inuit-centred curriculum and language resources.

6. Improving services to students who require additional support.

7. Increasing success in post-secondary education.

8. A university in Inuit Nunangat.

9. Establishing a standardized Inuit language writing system.

10. Measuring and assessing success.

Source: First Canadians, Canadians First

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