Commission’s Visit in Iqaluit, Nunavut (June 25-27, 2024)
Nunavut is unique when it comes to language protection and revitalization. The territory operates under the Inuit Language Protection Act and the Official Languages Act. The implementation of this legislation directly protects, strengthens, promotes, and prioritizes Inuit languages and mandates the use of Inuktut, English, and French in Nunavut.
As an opportunity to connect directly with Inuit language speakers, learners and experts in the North, Commissioner Ronald E. Ignace, Director Robert Watt, and Commission staff visited Iqaluit in late June. Over the span of three days, the team followed a fully booked itinerary with small gatherings and meetings with key language professionals based in Iqaluit.
The visit began with an inspiring and positive engagement at the Inhabit Media head office. Louise Flaherty greeted the team in person and her colleagues Neil Christopher, Jaypeetee Arnakak, and Monica Ittusardjuat, joined virtually from their Toronto office.
Louise Flaherty holding two books published by Inhabit Media.
When she was a classroom teacher, Flaherty became inspired to start publishing books when she noticed a lack of culturally authentic literacy resources for Inuit children. Two decades later, with the vision of creating a collection of education and literacy resources aimed at Inuit youth, nearly 400 books have been published to date in 14 different countries by Inhabit Media – in Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, French, and English.
Some may question the appetite for books and resources provided in Indigenous languages. Having built a company in the niche of Indigenous publishing – and the first Inuit-owned company in the Arctic, at that – Flaherty knows better than most. Not only did she confirm that there is a demand for Indigenous language resources and educational materials, but she also emphasized that materials authentically created by and with Indigenous Peoples make all the difference. Touching on how people interpret Indigenous education and reading materials, Flaherty stressed, “we’ve got to represent our values.”
The following day, the team visited Pirurvik, an Inuit-owned educational centre with a mission to strengthen and maintain Inuit language, culture, and wellbeing. The discussion included Leena Evic, Pirurvik’s founder, President and vision keeper. The board of directors and Pirurvik staff also introduced themselves. President Evic welcomed the Commission team with a presentation on the programs offered by Pirurvik.
Commissioner Ignace visiting at the Pirurvik Centre in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
On top of providing Inuit-led programming to promote cultural and traditional ways of life for Inuit men and women, Pirurvik also offers accredited programs through their partnership with the University of Victoria. This includes: Aqqusiurvik (Inuktut Instructor Diploma); Qimattuvik Certificate (language enhancement training); and Aurniarvik (full-time Inuktut as a Second Language Certificate). Pirurvik is a living example of language revitalization work that makes a significant impact. Commissioner Ignace and Director Watt were proud to witness a graduation ceremony later that evening, celebrating the graduates from Pirurvik.
The Commission then met with Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA). QIA is the regional voice of Nunavut’s Qikiqtani Inuit, representing around half of the Inuit in the Arctic. The meeting highlighted the complexity of Inuit governing structures and the management of programs and services that uphold cultural empowerment, social equality, economic prosperity, and a healthy environment for Qikiqtani Inuit. Additionally, the meeting touched on the Indigenous Languages Act, the need for language instruction in schools, workforce representation, and the exploration of accreditation courses and creative solutions for language funding and research.
Later that day, Commissioner Ignace and Director Watt visited with Inuit Elders over tea at the Iqaluit Elders’ Home.
Commissioner Ignace delivering a keynote speech in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
On the last day of the visit, the first item on the itinerary was to join a conference hosted by the King’s Printers Association of Canada, where Commissioner Ignace delivered a keynote speech. Commissioner Ignace spoke passionately to a room of attendees about the story, mandate, and vision of the Commission and the importance of Indigenous languages in Canada. He commended Inuit on their persistent, strong practice of Inuit traditional knowledge and way of life which ultimately led to the creation of the Inuit Language Protection Act. “We know there are inspiring lessons to learn from Inuit,” Commissioner Ignace remarked in his speech.
Last on the itinerary was a highly anticipated meeting with Commissioner Karliin Aariak of the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut. This was the first opportunity for both Commissioner Aariak and Commissioner Ignace to meet face-to-face, and their hour-long meeting served as a great way to connect with each other, speaking to and offering a detailed understanding of each other’s mandates, jurisdictions, and visions. The meeting brought to light exciting areas of opportunity for potential collaboration.
