Arviat, a small community in Nunavut located on the western coast of Hudson Bay, will soon become the site of the first university led by the Inuit people in the Canadian Arctic. This significant announcement was made in Ottawa by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the national organization representing Inuit.
Natan Obed, the President of ITK, emphasized the importance of establishing the inaugural university in Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland in Canada. He stated that Inuit play a crucial role in Canada’s sovereignty and that education and knowledge are fundamental pillars of their society.
The original plan was for Obed to announce the university location alongside Mary Simon, Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General and a staunch advocate for the university. Unfortunately, the event was canceled by Rideau Hall following a tragic incident in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
After reviewing 51 communities, ITK’s board of directors selected Arviat, with its population of around 3,000, as the main campus location. The community’s strong proposal and alignment with the university’s vision contributed to this decision.
Arviat was chosen for its readiness, site capacity, and its cultural richness, including the prevalence of the Inuktitut language spoken by most residents. The community’s commitment to preserving traditions and eagerness to host the university were key factors in the selection process.
The other five shortlisted communities, including Inuvik, Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay, Kuujjuaq, and Puvirnituq, are now being considered for regional knowledge centers or satellite campuses. Arviat is expected to open the university by 2030 with approximately 100 students and 80 staff members.
To accommodate the university’s needs, construction of student housing is planned to address the current housing shortage in Arviat. Additionally, the university aims to bring economic benefits and new businesses to the community.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) has pledged $50 million for the main campus construction, $50 million for student housing, and $35 million for programming. Private donations, including a substantial contribution from the Mastercard Foundation, are securing most of the university’s estimated $200 million budget.
The federal government is expected to contribute up to $50 million, pending the completion of the university’s funding proposal. The university plans to offer four undergraduate degrees and focus on holistic student development, encouraging young Inuit to make positive contributions in various fields.
