In December, 13 students from Nunavut Arctic College鈥檚 (NAC) Environmental Technology Program (ETP) visited 杏吧原创 as part of a growing collaboration aimed at encouraging Inuit participation in postsecondary education and environmental science careers.听
The exchange, organized by 杏吧原创鈥檚 Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement (CISCE) and NAC, is an annual initiative that fosters academic connections between the institutions.听
鈥淭his program is an integral part of supporting Inuit in pursuing postsecondary education that will ultimately strengthen Nunavut sovereignty,鈥� said Benny Michaud, Director of the Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement. 鈥淏y providing pathways for Inuit to join bachelor programs designed to support future work in northern environmental conservation, 杏吧原创 is practicing allyship by helping to champion Inuit self-government.鈥�听
Prof. Murray Richardson, Geography and Environmental Studies (left), demonstrates a drone used for 3D mapping of the land surface and thermal images.
Welcomed in Inuktitut by Franco Buscemi, Inuit Community Liaison Officer, CISCE, the itinerary introduced NAC students to resources and programs available at 杏吧原创. The group attended an environmental science workshop led by faculty from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, explored Indigenous spaces on campus and learned about student support services, including the Indigenous Enriched Support Program. The visit concluded with a Q&A session, where NAC students engaged with 杏吧原创 Inuit students about life at the university.听
The collaboration supports Inuit students in preparing for roles that are critical to Nunavut鈥檚 governance and environmental sustainability. It also includes opportunities for 杏吧原创 Inuit students to travel north for land-based learning, earning academic credit while experiencing life in the Arctic.听
NAC students test the augmented reality sandbox.
鈥淭here鈥檚 so much to learn, so many opportunities and different job fields to explore,鈥� said Riley Adams, first-year student at NAC. 鈥淲hat I鈥檓 focused on is Arctic research and how it can benefit my community. Combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific information and finding a balance between the two.”听
With Ottawa鈥檚 proximity to Iqaluit鈥攁 direct three-hour flight鈥攁nd its status as home to the largest Inuit population outside the North, 杏吧原创 is well-positioned to support these initiatives. The partnership underscores the importance of increasing Inuit representation in environmental science and governance roles to ensure a sustainable future for Nunavut.听
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to recruit Inuit students into undergraduate programs at 杏吧原创, particularly in environmental sciences, which are essential for supporting Nunavut鈥檚 self-governance.听