$34M research and training centre planned for Pond Inlet, Nunavut
Inuit association, territory announce plan to create 'hub for training and skills development'
A new research and training centre in Nunavut could soon be offering skills development in fields such as mining, environmental management, administration, and health.
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) says the $34-million facility is being built in Pond Inlet and will be completed next year.
On Tuesday, QIA and the Nunavut government announced that they had signed a memorandum of understanding for a partnership between QIA and Nunavut Arctic College to make the new centre a "hub for training and skills development."
"This centre will be the first of its kind in the High Arctic and is aimed at making education and training more accessible in Inuit Nunangat," reads a news release.
"The centre is a key step in empowering Inuit to engage fully in employment opportunities, offering space for organizations and educational institutions to increase Inuit participation in a diversified and evolving economy."
The release says the centre will offer training in fields such as conservation economy, Inuit governance, mining, research and Inuit traditional knowledge.
It's also hoped that facility will be able to offer some university-level programs.
"Our dream is to have university-level programming available to Inuit in their homeland in an environment that is relevant to their surroundings," said QIA president Olayuk Akesuk, in a written statement.
Funding for the new centre is from the Mary River Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement, CanNor, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the federal government.