The three partners in devolution — the Government of Nunavut (GN), Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), and the Government of Canada — announced the launch of a new initiative on Feb. 14 in Iqaluit titled Inunnguqsaivik: Learning for a purpose.
It’s a new learning support initiative designed to ensure Inuit living in the territory have the skills and knowledge required to self-manage the stewardship of Nunavut’s lands, waters and resources when the accountability for these non-renewable resources is transferred from Canada to the GN. It is also intended to support and connect with the many ongoing initiatives across the territory for Inuit-led lands and resource stewardship.
Inunnguqsaivik will help Nunavummiut identify and access the human resources element of devolution, such as necessary education, training and job experience in order to pursue careers in land stewardship and resource management. Those in the program will be provided with access to a host of academic and personal services to ensure they have the tools for success.
Once enrolled in Inunnguqsaivik, learners will be connected to an online community that provides the opportunities to meet and engage with peers, as well as access to programming and events as part of their learning journey. No minimum education level or prior job experience is necessary to enroll. Various upgrading and relevant post-secondary programs have already been selected that will offer the strong supports for Indigenous students.
An agreement in principle (AIP) was signed in August 2019 by the three parties, which established the direction for the devolution of responsibilities for the stewardship and management of public lands, waters and resources in Nunavut from the federal government to the GN.
This agreement subsequently led to the development of the Transitional Human Resources Development Strategy for devolution. The main objective of this strategy is to maximize Inuit employment at all levels within the body of positions that will be created in the GN as a result of devolution, also while supporting the GN’s ability to take on the responsibilities it receives from the Government of Canada.
These are the goals and objectives of Inunnguqsaivik.
The Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement was the final agreement signed by the three parties on Jan. 18 in Iqaluit. Devolution, or Namminiqsurniq, reflects and supports the priorities of the territory, which is to provide greater control for Nunavummiut-led decisions on lands and resources while encouraging new revenue streams and economic development opportunities in Nunavut.
“I am proud of our work in partnership with the Government of Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. on the Inunnguqsaivik program,” said Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok. “The implementation of the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement rightly begins with ensuring Inuit and all Nunavummiut are prepared for the employment opportunities that will come. Signing the agreement for Namminiqsurniq was a crucial step in our political development, but today we truly look to our future as we launch this program for students on the path to careers in land and resource management in Nunavut.”
NTI President Aluki Kotierk said, “I encourage Inuit to take advantage of the assistance offered by Inunnguqsaivik, to further their education and to explore the exciting opportunities for work in land and resource management that will be available in the coming years.”
Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal added, “The Government of Canada is proud to support Inunnguqsaivik to ensure that Inuit are provided with the training needed to ensure a representative workforce. We will continue to work in close partnership over the next three years with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Nunavut to implement the Nunavut Devolution Agreement and to ensure a smooth transition. This historic Agreement will help to create Northern-led jobs, opportunities, investments, and more prosperity for Inuit and all Nunavummiut, for generations to come.”
Those interested in training for a career in land and/or resource management can email inunnguqsaivik@gov.nu.ca.
