Nunavut’s First Graduate Program

Last week a significant educational milestone was reached as 21 Nunavumiut received the first ever Master of Education degrees granted in Nunavut.

The program they graduated under is offered via a combination of online distance education techniques and visiting lecturers from the University of PEI. The intent of the program is to ensure that as many qualified educators and principals as possible work in the communities they are from.

I have spoken many times about the need for educational reform and the development of more Inuit educators. With land claims in the four regions now concluded Inuit are at a point where our future success depends on reforming our education system – this program is an important step in that direction.

Currently Inuit children have significantly lower education outcomes than do other Canadian children – this program is a step in addressing that serious issue.

In 2006 Thomas Burger prepared a report on the state of the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. He concluded that only when the education system was fundamentally transformed would Inuit receive their fair share of jobs from resource development in the Arctic. This program is a part of that necessary transformation.

It took a lot of hard work and dedication, not to mention a large measure of personal sacrifice, for these 21 Inuit to achieve what they have and each and every one deserves our support and appreciation.

Congratulations on a job well done.

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