The summer break is already right around the corner.

In Nunavik, with the return of the mild weather, our minds are slowly turning towards the land and seasonal harvesting activities… I assure you that the land is also calling all of us who are living in urban areas outside Nunavik.

Looking back at what has been a very busy school year, there are a few updates I would like to provide you.

Negotiations for the renewal of the 2020-2023 collective agreements for our teachers, support staff and professionals continue. In 2022, we made an important step forward in closing the gap between the working conditions for staff hired locally (the vast majority of whom are Inuit) and those recruited from outside Nunavik. As an employer, our priority is to build on these gains in order to further close this gap. This is the only way forward if we want to retain our staff and attract expertise to the Nunavik education sector.

As part of on-going work on the Nunavik education system, we are working with the findings of the 2019-2021 Education Research (Audit). Commissioned by the Council, this study examined the Kativik Ilisarniliriniq second language curriculum and compared it with the Quebec Education Program. I’m happy to report that we have now made concrete progress in clarifying and implementing clear pathways to student success. Work continues in the effort to address specific pedagogical challenges and gaps identified in the area of teacher training.

Since January 2024, we have worked with a high level of uncertainty on account of an investigation that the Quebec Ministry of Education has launched into our finances, operations and governance. We continue to collaborate with the investigation team and expect them to have completed their work by June 30, 2024.

Amidst all this, a shout-out to all Nunavimmiut who will graduate this year. Congratulations to all secondary school students who persevered and will earn their Secondary School Diploma in the youth or adult sectors. Many of you will also be completing vocational training, teacher training and college or university programs. I’m proud of your success.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the perseverance and commitment of those who will be heading back to school this summer. The Teacher Training Summer Institute we organize in partnership with McGill University will be hosted in Inukjuak. Meanwhile, summer courses will also be offered in Kuujjuaq for secondary students wishing to retake the year-end Ministry exam.

Enjoy your summer and stay safe!

Harriet Keleutak

Director general