Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine how education can bestbe used to assist with Inuit cultural maintenance in contemporary Nunavik.This research examined that which defines Nunavik Inuit culture and canprovide a framework from which an education program could be structuredwith the intent of the preservation of Inuit culture, values and traditions. Inthe wake of contemporary society, any cultural maintenance efforts mustbe actuated through a concerted effort on the part of all parties involved,including Inuit youth, parents, Elders and the school.Modern Inuit also need a modern education. If contemporary Inuitcultural maintenance in Nunavik is to succeed, it must not interfere withthe need to acquire this modern education. Inuit cultural maintenancemust therefore be achieved in conjunction with, but separate from,contemporary education. How then do we teach contemporary Inuit youththe skills needed to survive and flourish in both worlds withoutcompromising the efficacy of either?In this ethnographic qualitative case study research methods included:Surveys and open-ended questionnaires, field notes, participantobservations, and photography. I found that Inuit culture needs to bepassed down from generation to generation, as was the traditional Inuiteducational model. Contemporary education systems are at odds with theway Inuit were traditionally educated. Inuit culture must be taught on theland, over the course of childhood and adolescence, under the tutelage ofInuit Elders.