Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Educator Leadership Training in Nunavut

Authors

  • Kathy Snow University of Prince Edward Island
  • Darlene Nuqinagaq Certificate in Educational Leadership in Nunavut (CELN)
  • Nunia Anoee University of Prince Edward Island
  • Erin Morozoff University of Prince Edward Island
  • Alexander McAuley University of Prince Edward Island
  • Ron MacDonald University of Prince Edward Island

Abstract

The history of formal K-12 education in Nunavut has been characterized by a gradual shift from "southern" assimilationist models to those more reflective of the language, culture, and aspirations of Nunavummiut (Arnaquq, 2008; Lees et al., 2010). Post-secondary education has been slower to change. Since its launch in 2010 through a partnership between the Government of Nunavut (GN) Department of Education and the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), the Certificate in Educational Leadership in Nunavut (CELN) has developed and delivered programming founded in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) for Inuit and non-Inuit educators and administrators. This paper will illustrate what UPEI has learned in decolonizing program design from working with the GN, its teachers and leaders. At the heart of the program is an enactment of IQ principles therefore our analysis will examine how these are (or not) successful within program content and design. Finally, we will close with our lessons learned, and what this “Southern” institution has had to change to be able to serve Nunavummiut.

Author Biographies

Kathy Snow, University of Prince Edward Island

Associate Professor; Academic Lead Certificate in Educational Leadership Nunavut (CELN); Academic Lead Masters in Education – 21st Century Learning cohort Fulbright Research Chair in Arctic Studies, University of Washington (2019-20)

BEd, BSc (UPEI); MA (Bath, England); EdD (Calgary)

Dr. Snow is a former K-12 Educator and Administrator who has worked in schools around the world as well as at home in Canada. Kathy's diverse research portfolio is unified through the exploration of issues related to the organization of schools and school systems for student success. Her current research includes: an examination of Inuit teacher training, resilience and professional development (funding source: ArcticNet); Mi'kmaq student success and persistence in Nova Scotia (funding source: IURN), Northern perspectives on teacher education (Arcticnet/CIRNA), Inuit Youth Identity development (SSHRC). As a Settler Ally, Kathy's approach is a bricolage of Case Study, Narrative Inquiry, and Community Led Participatory Action Projects to support Mi'kmaq and Inuit teachers to (re)vision schools and learning designs that are reflective of community goals, values, and approaches.

Darlene Nuqinagaq, Certificate in Educational Leadership in Nunavut (CELN)

CELN Instructor

Nunia Anoee, University of Prince Edward Island

2010-2013: Co-instructor for Introduction to Research (ED 611N), and Curriculum: Leadership in Learning (ED 625N). Nunia is a graduate of the Nunavut MEd program (2006-2009).

Erin Morozoff, University of Prince Edward Island

Scholarships, Awards & Financial Aid Officer

Alexander McAuley, University of Prince Edward Island

Associate Professor, Faculty of Education

Ron MacDonald, University of Prince Edward Island

Ronald J. MacDonald has been a junior and senior high school science teacher in Nova Scotia and Ontario, Canada, for 15 years. He has also been an information technology integration specialist and professional development facilitator. Ron's research includes: supporting science teacher communities of practice when they are integrating technologies; gender differences in students’ attitude toward science when technologies are used; the merging of theory and practice in teacher education and project-based learning in science. He is currently Dean of the Faculty of Education and teaches science methods.

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Published

2021-04-09

Issue

Vol. 47 No. 1 - Spring (2021): Education in the Circumpolar North

Section

Articles