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RANKIN INLET - The educational career of Rankin Inlet's Jason Brown is an illustrious one, and it's not over yet.

Brown became the first Inuk to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology at the University of Victoria in B.C. this past month.

Jason Brown is joined by his spouse, Mary, and children, Russell and Krystal, from left, at his convocation at the University of Victoria in British Columbia this past month. - photo courtesy of Jason Brown

He was also awarded with a degree in indigenous studies and a diploma in intercultural education and training during the convocation.

Brown's journey on the path to academic accolades began in Rankin, where he completed grade school.

After skipping Grade 9 through academic excellence, he moved to Yellowknife at age 13 to attend Sir John Franklin high school.

In 1987, he became the first person from the Kivalliq to graduate from the public and business administration program at Arctic College in Fort Smith.

Brown, who coyly gives his age as "in his 40s," is the director of Nunavut Arctic College's (NAC) customized training division, which will soon be known as the business and leadership division.

He is also working on his master's degree in educational psychology and leadership studies and has been successful in his first steps toward that goal.

Brown said he hopes to begin more courses towards his master's in January.

"With the Government of Nunavut's continued support, I hope to rejoin my educational program next month on Jan. 5," said Brown.

"However, I may have to withdraw from the master's program and extend this major educational opportunity to a personal wish or dream status without it.

"I truly believe we need more individuals to take advantage of the educational opportunities out there and bring those skills and abilities back to Nunavut."

Brown said NAC partners with many colleges, organizations and universities across Canada.

He cites NAC's partnership with Edmonton's Grant MacEwan College to bring a mental health diploma program to Nunavut as a major success for the college.

"I was also instrumental in developing the municipal community training programs offered in every Nunavut community as well as the core courses we offer in the regional centres.

"Individuals working with a municipality and others interested in the courses, are now able to take part in them in their own communities.

"These are college-level courses, transferable to diploma programs with NAC and then transferable to other universities across Canada.

"The focus is to bring training closer to home so people don't have to go far distances for the basic skills they need to become successful in their academic careers."

Brown said when he first left home at 13, there was no opportunity to seek higher education in Rankin.

He said the only alternatives were schools in Yellowknife or Iqaluit.

"I stayed in residential school at Akaitcho Hall in Yellowknife, but I was only able to do that for a couple of years.

"I couldn't stay there for the full three years, so I moved on."

Brown said it was not uncommon to find himself studying all night early in his educational experiences.

He said there were even numerous occasions at the university level when he'd find himself doing the same thing.

"There were times working on Java programming, which was very difficult, I put in very long hours.

"But you have to do it properly if you want the program to work."

Brown said you're on tight deadlines when you're doing six courses at a time, which he did this past summer.

He said summer courses are compressed, so you do the same amount of work in about half the time.

"You still have to cover the same material, and the same number of assignments are due as in a standard-length course.

"I found it quite difficult doing six over the course of one summer, but I ended up with a nice GPA (grade point average)."

Brown said everyone has a drive to better themselves and fulfil educational goals.

His spouse, Mary, is pursuing a law degree at the University of Victoria, while his daughter, Krystal, is working on an honours degree in political science with a minor in philosophy, and his son, Russell, is playing AAA football at Mount Douglas high school in Victoria.

Brown said he was fortunate to receive strong support from his family and numerous Rankin residents in achieving his goals.

"I also received solid support from many teachers and instructors throughout my educational background.

"And I would never have been able to make it this far without the support of the territorial government.

"Rankin has been my home since my mom and dad (Levinia and Ron Brown) moved back home here when I was in Grade 2 or Grade 3.

"My roots are strong here, so I don't see uprooting myself any time soon other than to continue with my educational goals."