November 27, 2024

Check against delivery

My very first involvement with the Inuit Nunangat University project took place years ago.

I was appointed by the minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations as a special representative to gather insights from people across the Arctic region and other parts of Canada.

Inuit families were very concerned about education.

Youth from three different communities spoke to me at roundtables and video conferences. They wanted a better education system so that they could graduate and start a career.

Parents and youth were worried about their education, including at the elementary and secondary levels – so, the idea of creating a University in Inuit Nunangat often seemed out of reach to them.

Yet, that’s the heart of the matter.

If there were a university in Canada’s North, grounded in Inuit culture and language, offering degrees relevant to their lives, youth would be more motivated to pursue their studies.

The possibility of studying in areas like education, health, environmental sciences or engineering, in a way that preserves Inuit history and language, can change everything.

It can help people heal from the effects of systemic discrimination.

It can turn hopelessness into inspiration.

It can empower youth to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Nunangat University will also help us build bridges between Inuit knowledge and Western Science.

Imagine: cutting-edge research done by Inuit Scientists and students, working to solve issues affecting Inuit people in the Arctic, including climate change.

Imagine: education and training programs that meet the unique needs of Inuit learners, including those living in remote communities. 

Imagine: one day, online learning being available to Inuit mothers so that they get a university degree, start a career and improve the lives of their children.

The benefits extend well beyond Inuit students.

The University will help preserve our cultural heritage and share our knowledge with others, including Non-Indigenous Canadians, international students and academics. This will be key to advance climate action, for instance.

It will advance economic development and create job opportunities.

It will also advance reconciliation in Canada.

Natan, I want to thank you and your team at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, from the bottom of my heart, for your work and unwavering commitment.

I also want to thank everyone who has worked hard over the years to make this vital project possible.

Thank you all for your support!