Education Services
Education Through Identity
NunatuKavut Inuit have always passed down knowledge through language, storytelling, land-based learning, and intergenerational teaching. Today, our Department of Research, Education, and Culture is advancing this legacy by supporting culturally rooted education that reflects who we are – our history, our language, and our ways of knowing.
We are committed to strengthening Inuttitut language reclamation, uplifting the role of Elders and knowledge holders, and creating opportunities for youth to learn in ways that honour their identity. This includes the development of culturally grounded curricula, education supports, and community-based programs shaped by our values and traditions.
We also acknowledge the lasting impact of colonial and institutionalized education systems on our people – and are making great strides to transform that legacy on our path to renewal, recognition, and self-determination.
NunatuKavut Inuit Education in Schools
Starting in 2016, the NunatuKavut Inuit Education Program was launched in seven schools throughout NunatuKavut: Cartwright, Black Tickle, Norman Bay, Charlottetown, Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour and St. Lewis.
Working closely with the schools, NCC and NunatuKavut knowledge holders are working to re-introduce Inuit traditional knowledge and skills into the curriculum. The program continues to be a success with increasingly more schools reaching out to NCC with their own ideas and plans to integrate culturally relevant education into the classroom and student and teacher life.
The program sees youth, community members, and teachers engage in a wide range of activities including komatik building, snowshoe making, traditional cooking and food preservation, traditional sewing, and many others.
Ikupiatsik
On February 6, 2021 NCC launched an exciting new NunatuKavut Inuit Education Action Plan called Ikupiatsik at our 2020-2021 Annual General Assembly. This action plan sets out some clear initiatives under three categories: Redressing, Reclaiming, and Revitalizing.
Through late summer and fall, our Research, Education and Culture department will be hosting various cultural events throughout our territory as part of Ikupiatsik.
Redressing
Residential Schools
Dr. Andrea Procter, author of ‘A Long Journey: Residential Schools in Labrador and Newfoundland’, along with the guidance of a residential school survivor advisory group, will be helping to develop a resource book focused on the boarding schools at Muddy Bay and Cartwright. This book will raise further awareness about boarding schools and their impact on NunatuKavut Inuit and commemorate the intergenerational impacts on survivors and their families. It will also recognize and honour the resilience of the school survivors and their families.
NCC Education Initiative Book
This book will be written in partnership between NCC and Dr. Sylvia Moore. It will deconstruct the colonial myths of education today, explore the purpose and importance of a culturally relevant education for NunatuKavut Inuit, and highlight the self-determination work of NCC to redress a colonial education system.
Curriculum Development
NCC is working with an education consultant to develop a template that will guide curriculum development centered around NunatuKavut Inuit history, culture and tradition.
Reclaiming
Inuit Education Program (IEP) Enhancement
The IEP was developed in 2016 and continues to support culturally relevant activities in schools and communities with an emphasis to preserve and pass on intergenerational knowledge. We continue to engage schools across our territory to share ideas about ways to enhance the IEP program and adapt programming during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Ideas include virtual lessons, on the land experiences and outside learning.
Language Programs
Persistent colonization has led to language loss in our territory over time. The loss of Indigenous languages is a common impact of colonization across the world. Indigenous Nations everywhere are calling for the revitalization of their Indigenous languages and we share this common goal in NunatuKavut. These efforts will start with basic Inuttitut language lessons led by Selma Suarak. NCC is eagerly seeking funding opportunities to strengthen our efforts in this area.
Bi-monthly Inuit Educational Material
NCC will publish bi-monthly educational material that will focus/highlight themes or topics centered around the lands, waters and ice of NunatuKavut. This publication will serve as an education resource on issues and subjects of cultural importance to NunatuKavut Inuit.
Revitalizing
Colouring Book
‘NunatuKavut through the seasons’ is a cultural learning colouring book that features scenes and traditional activities experienced by NunatuKavut Inuit. Inuttitut words are incorporated into each scene so that youth and adults can learn and connect with our ancestral language. The colouring book was developed in partnership with NunatuKavut artist Charlene Rumbolt, the Inuit Education Youth Advisory Group and NCC.
Inuit Education Youth Advisory Committee
This past summer, NCC has worked with youth in several communities across NunatuKavut to explore/share what they would like to see in the education system and identify topics that are important to their history, culture and traditions as NunatuKavut Inuit. We will continue this work to inform the creation of future educational content as well as future implementation of NCC’s Inuit Education Program.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Development
NCC and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are currently working on an MOU that advances mutual interest on Inuit education in NunatuKavut and throughout the province.
Employment and Skills Development Programs
We have a number of employment and skills development programs available through the Department of Employment and Skills Development, keep reading to learn more or contact us for more details.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the programs operated under the ESD department, applicants must be:
– A current member of NCC, no matter where they reside in Canada
– Unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hours a week)
– Attending an accredited school full-time within Canada (minimum of four courses)
Selection Criteria
– Meet labour market demand
– Academic performance
– Training history
– Cost of training
– Budget considerations
Approvals
Applicants will be notified of a decision on their application a minimum of (20) working days from the time their application is received.
Self-Employed Benefit
Income support and funding for business planning services are available for members looking to start their own business.
Summer Career Placement
This program provides meaningful summer work experiences for students 15-29 years of age. The objective is to link students with work experience related to their field of study or an area in which they have an interest in studying, wherever possible.
Skills Development – University
This program provides a bursary/grant payment to university students who are in their final two years of an undergraduate program. The amount is determined yearly based on approved budget.
Graduate students whose undergraduate studies were funded through this program will only be eligible in the final year of their graduate program.
NOTE: Deadline to apply is April 1 of each year.
Skills Development – Other
This program funds students and learners to complete certificate/diploma programs, short-term industry specific programs and health/safety training.
Funding is available for course costs, living allowance, travel allowance and childcare, if applicable.
NOTE: Deadline to apply is April 1 of each year.
Work Experience
This program can be exploratory in nature to assist clients in determining if a particular employment field is a fit for them. It can also be linked to skills where the clients gain direct work experience in a field for which they have studied or trained.
Employment Transition Fund
This program supports individuals who are currently in minimum-wage or entry-level jobs to explore and pursue employment that aligns with their interests, salary goals, and local labour market needs.
Funding is provided in accordance with the Skills Development–Other program guidelines
Post-Secondary Scholarships (external)
A scholarship is a payment made to support a student’s post-secondary education, awarded on the basis of academic merit or other achievement.
While NCC does not offer direct scholarships, we have compiled a list of externally provided scholarships here:
- Iron Ore Company Scholarship for Indigenous Students
- RBC Scholarships
- Women in Resource Development Scholarship Program
- Bird Heavy Civil Ltd. Indigenous Scholarship Program
- Indspire Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
- Canada Post Grants
- Trades NL Post-Secondary Scholarship
- Terry Lynn Marshall Memorial Youth Scholarship
- AFOA Atlantic Scholarship for a Mature Student
- TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples
Merit Award
NCC provides an annual Merit Award, valued at $500, to a member attending the Happy Valley-Goose Bay campus of the College of the North Atlantic (CNA). Nominations are put forward by CNA and the winner is chosen by NCC. This award is presented at the awards ceremony and is in recognition of the student’s commitment to academic achievement.
Bursaries
NCC administers three annual memorial bursaries for university or college students who are NunatuKavut members:
External bursaries for Indigenous students:
Bursary Resources
There are a number of bursaries made available to Aboriginal and Indigenous students, click on the Aboriginal Bursary Search Tool below to help you find applicable resources.