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. For the most up to date events listing, please follow our Facebook Page.
Redressing
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.
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.
As part of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we launched a colouring page that was distributed to many of our schools. It is available here for anyone to download. Submitted colouring pages have been compiled and can be viewed, here.
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.
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.
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.
Revitalizing
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.
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.
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.