College sorry for axing Inuit studies
Board of Governors apologizes for lack of notice before students returned from holidays
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, January 23, 2017
IQALUIT
Nunavut Arctic College apologized to students left out in the cold after their Inuit Studies program was abruptly cancelled for the program's second term Jan. 7.
"The timing of the notification should have happened shortly after the (first) term completed, and any future cancellations will ensure that this is done. We apologize to the students affected for the timing of the notification," Board of Governors chairperson Elizabeth Ryan stated in a Jan. 17 news release.
"I have ensured that the two remaining students have been accommodated, and encourage those interested in this line of study to register for the Fall 2017 program."
According to Education Minister Paul Quassa in the same release, "The Inuit Studies program is an integral component to teaching our cultural history and it's unfortunate the program had to be cancelled for this semester."
The program was designed to reflect traditional and contemporary Inuit values, practices and knowledge.
Low student enrollment was cited as the reason for the cancellation.
"I have carefully evaluated the situation and have instructed the college to continue to follow the appropriate administrative process, as the well-being of our students is first and foremost the reason we provide these educational opportunities," stated Quassa.
Following a news report in which Geela Kango, one of the students, shared that her program had been abruptly cancelled, Qanak Collective - a group started in Iqaluit to foster community engagement with governance structures - published an open letter.
"To allow the students to find out through unofficial sources was heartbreakingly insensitive. Evicting students residing in the college units with one-week notice may be legal but it is not fair or reasonable," stated Qanak.
Qanak members include documentary filmmaker Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, former Nunavut Language Commissioner Sandra Inutiq, associate deputy minister Karen Kabloona, Franco Buscemi, Janine Lightfoot, TJ Lightfoot, Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory and Piralaa, according to its website.
"Education is the fire that will lead Nunavut to a brighter future. In a domain where the flame should (be) brightest and most tenderly cultivated, this decision causes havoc. While 'just' six students are directly affected, this decision puts a chill on everyone currently studying or considering studying or working at the college," states Qanak.
"Why should anyone commit to leaving their community or housing or job for higher education if the college will render their sacrifices pointless, apparently on a whim?"
Qanak recommends the Board of Governors immediately meet to overturn the decision to cancel the program.
In November, Quassa accepted $10.64 million in infrastructure funding from the federal government. Those funds are to be used for a new college building which, as previously noted by college dean Eric Corneau, will house an Inuit language and culture centre of excellence.
The GN had already set aside $18.9 million for the building, which is set to break ground in the spring.
