Umiujaq, Nunavik, QC (March 25, 2014) Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut David Saint-Jacques is due to arrive in Umiujaq tomorrow, where he will be visiting Kiluutaq School.

There, some 130 students are eager to hear what he has to say about his life as an astronaut.

Former medical doctor and the Co-chief of Medicine at Inuulitsivik Health Centre in Puvirnituq, Saint-Jacques is well known in Umiujaq. “People of the community have very warm memories of the times he practiced as a family doctor in Umiujaq,” says Nicolas Payette, Kiluutaq School Principal.

Having such a distinguished yet familiar guest is an exciting opportunity for students to learn more about science. With the local and regional science fairs organized throughout schools of Nunavik earlier this year, students have already immersed themselves in scientific research and experiments.

“This type of activities is great to stimulate interest in science,” says Nicolas Payette. “It is our hope that it may also inspire the participants to explore future career and studies paths in science-related areas,” he adds.

David Saint-Jacques will be visiting Kiluutaq School from March 26 to 31, 2014. He will then travel to Inukjuak, where he will give a presentation to students at Innalik School, in the afternoon of April 1^st. His visit is a joint initiative of the Kativik School Board and the Canadian Space Agency.

About us:

The Kativik School Board (KSB) was created in 1975, under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. Since 1978, it has been the exclusive provider of education services offered to Nunavik’s population. The education programs developed by KSB are offered in the schools of the 14 communities of Nunavik. Inuktitut is the first language and English and French are second languages. For more information about us, please visit our Web site at: www.kativik.qc.ca

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For more information, please contact:

Jade Duchesneau-Bernier
Public Relations Officer
Kativik School Board
514-482-8220