We would like to thank Geela Kango for having the strength and courage to speak-out about the recent Nunavut Arctic College decision to cancel the Inuit Studies Program, and how poorly it is being carried out. We understand that decision to cancel this important program was made weeks ago, but no notice was given to students. To allow the students to find out through unofficial sources was heartbreakingly insensitive. Evicting students residing in the college units with one-week notice may be legal but it is not fair or reasonable.

Education is the fire that will lead Nunavut to a brighter future. In a domain where the flame should brightest and most tenderly cultivated, this decision causes havoc. While “just” six students are directly affected, this decision puts a chill on everyone currently studying or considering studying or working at the College. Why should anyone commit to leaving their community or housing or job for higher education if the College will render their sacrifices pointless, apparently on a whim? The method in which this decision was carried out also raises many questions, including the following:

• When was the decision to cancel the program made?
• Why did no one within Arctic College think to notify students promptly and directly?
• After such a glaring oversight why did the College think one week’s notice was sufficient for the students to vacate their units and make alternate arrangements?
• What happens to the Instructor(s) of the program? When were they given notice?
• What criteria does Arctic College use to determine that a course or program is no longer sustainable or worthwhile?
• Who made the recommendation to cancel the program and who approved it?
• Why did the college decide to not allow the students to complete the school year?
• What were the pros and cons of cancelling it now versus the end of the year?
• What are the enrollment numbers and graduation rates of other NAC programs? Were these programs also reviewed?
• Has the College considered why this program has such low enrollment or low success rates? Did the college consider actions to take to improve enrollment and success, other than program cancellation?
• Will the College cancel other classes with comparable low-rates of success?
• What is the College doing to ensure current students have the support they need to succeed?
• Does the recently announced $29.54 million investment in infrastructure at Nunavut Arctic College include a proactive plan to ensure students in new programs
  have the support they need to complete their studies?

While the decision to cancel the program in mid-year may appear to be fiscally responsible in the short-term, it should not come at the cost of putting students and their families’ lives into upheaval and distress. It is not too late to correct the crisis created by the college. We recommend the Board of Governors immediately meet to overturn the decision to cancel the program, apologize to the students for how poorly they were treated, and assist them in resettling and resuming their studies.

We also recommend that Arctic College develop a strategy to address core issues contributing to the failure of the Inuit Studies Program. There is evidence that many people have a desire to learn about Inuit history as seen by resolutions passed by Inuit youth groups time after time, and by the ever-increasing enrollment into the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program.

We believe Nunavut Arctic College could and should be a leading centre of Inuit knowledge, learning and leadership development in Canada. This situation raises many questions about the immediate situation, but also about systemic barriers within the education system, both in the K-12 system as well as at the College. Due to the urgent housing situation for the students, we wanted to publish part one of this open letter immediately. Part two will follow with broader questions around systemic barriers.

It is encouraging to hear some students are planning to appeal the decision. We hope that all the affected students will appeal the decision and refuse to leave their residence. We support you.

Ilinniarnirmut kajutsiaqujuminaqqusi.

Qanak Collective
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