We are just entering the month of November, and already a multitude of things have happened. From Sivumuattiit to Law 14 (again), several subjects deserve your attention. Here is a brief overview.

First of all, I would like to highlight the quality of our employees’ work. In recent months, we have had the opportunity to share our appreciation for support staff, as well as managers and school administrators. In November, another week is dedicated to appreciating the work of professionals. I invite you to take the time to celebrate this week with just as much enthusiasm.

On a different note, preliminary partial findings and recommendations from the Quebec Ministry of Education (MEQ) investigation were recently presented to us. While we have yet to receive the full report as of November 1^st, we are still reflecting on what has emerged so far. One thing is clear to us: we hope to see more engagement from the MEQ and signs that the realities of Nunavik are well understood. For instance, a mandatory orientation session on the JBNQA would be beneficial for all our MEQ counterparts.

However, we haven’t let this investigation paralyze us. Work on multi-language programs and teaching is progressing well, now being spearheaded by Arqusiurtiit, a committee that will foster further horizontal collaboration between departments. I’m hopeful we’ll soon be able to determine a date to begin the pilot project. In the same vein, Sivumuattiit is also gaining momentum. Six consultations have been held so far, and there will be more to come in November, December and early 2025. You can follow the progress of this strategic planning exercise here.

Law 14 is still an unsolved puzzle for us. We are starting to see the impact of the additional French courses; some students have turned down sponsorships and will not be continuing their post-secondary studies because of the new language requirements. Others have been looking into studying in neighbouring provinces. We have looked for options of “francisation” courses, but there is no room for our students.

Still, just like with the MEQ investigation, this Law did not cool our ambition to provide broader access to post-secondary education. The development of a French equivalent to Nunavik Sivunitsavut is advancing. We are exploring partnerships with various colleges and CEGEPs. Access to post-secondary has remained an active demand on the part of Nunavimmiut for many years now. From October 2023 to March 2024, all 14 Nunavik communities were visited and took part in consultations on their vision of a post-secondary institute based in Nunavik. The consultation report will be finalized during the fall and is expected to be presented to the Council of Commissioners in December 2024.

Finally, I want to acknowledge that it is now the beginning of the “dark season.” Fall – with the transformation to winter time and the gradual decline in daylight hours – affects people in many ways. Traditionally, it was a busy season. We kept busy working on food, tools and equipment to get ready for winter. As such, I invite you to take care of your mental health by getting in touch with your village men’s association, community centre or sewing centre. Immerse yourself in cultural activities to face the upcoming dark months. In addition, there’s always the Employee & Family Assistance Program — a free and confidential service.

Harriet Keleutak,

Director General