91探花

The 91探花鈥檚 (91探花) Faculty of Education is partnering with the Government of Nunavut鈥檚 (GN) Department of Education to offer the first-ever graduate-level course to be taught exclusively in the Inuktitut language. ED512 Educational Leadership: Engaging Nunavut Parents, Elders, and Community focuses on the development of collaborative relationships, positive communication, and empowerment of parents, elders, and community members who lead, support, and guide education in Nunavut. The course is offered July 15鈥�20 in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

鈥淭his course promotes collaboration and communication among the members of the community who support and guide education in Nunavut,鈥� said the Honourable Paul Quassa, Nunavut鈥檚 Minister of Education. 鈥淲e are also excited for the opportunity this course provides for students; accessing post-secondary education in Inuktitut is a necessary step in keeping the Inuit Language alive.鈥�

ED512 is one of five courses offered by 91探花 and the Department that make up the curriculum for the Certificate in Educational Leadership (Nunavut), also known as CELN. Participants will learn approaches to educational leadership involving the extended community. Community involvement in the daily life and vision of a school can create collaborative learning communities with parents, caregivers, and elders based on cultural values, beliefs, and principles. 

鈥淭his is a noteworthy and exciting moment for education in Nunavut that will have a positive impact for our educational leaders and students,鈥� said Rebecca Hainnu, one of the instructors of the ED512 course. 鈥淭his certificate will contribute to Inuit educators using Inuktitut as a language of instruction.鈥�

Dr. Jane Preston is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at 91探花 and the academic lead for CELN. 鈥淭he CELN program provides educators with the history, knowledge, attitudes, and skills that embody culturally-based, effective school leadership. Encompassing the unique language, culture, and specialized knowledge of Inuit, the certificate is earned by completing five courses pertaining to effective school leadership in a Nunavut context.鈥�

91探花鈥檚 Faculty of Education has a long history working with educators in Nunavut. In July of 2009, 21 Inuit women were conferred with the Nunavut Master of Education in Leadership and Learning鈥攖he first graduate program offered exclusively in the territory. The program was offered by the 91探花, in partnership with Nunavut's Department of Education, St. Francis Xavier University, and Nunavut Arctic College. 91探花 previously ran a pilot graduate-level course in Inuktitut a few years ago, and while it did not continue, it did lay important groundwork for this course within the CELN program.

鈥淎s we know, language is culture,鈥� said Dr. Ronald MacDonald, dean of the Faculty of Education at 91探花. 鈥淲e at 91探花, in strong collaboration with the Government of Nunavut, have honoured Nunavut culture through infusing the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, an Inuktitut phrase often translated as 鈥業nuit traditional knowledge鈥�, in all we do. The only way to truly honour culture is through course delivery in the manner and language of the Inuit.鈥�