Inuit leadership development

Lunch & Learn Speakers Series

What is the Qanak Lunch and Learn Series?

Qanak Lunch & Learn is a professional development speakers series where audience and guest speakers engage in solution-based discussions on issues affecting our community. Every two weeks over lunch at the Elders’ Qammaq in Iqaluit, Qanak Lunch & Learn hosts guest speakers with expertise and experience on issues affecting our communities, northern leadership, and protecting basic principles of democracy. The series offers a safe and intimate environment for learning and networking where issues can be discussed openly, spurring collaborations and motivation.

Country Food

In keeping with the Inuit custom of sharing food, a big pot of seal, char or caribou soup is prepared for each Qanak Lunch & Learn session. Bring country food you have enough available to share including dried char, frozen meats, berries and seaweed. All remaining food is left for the Elders program.

Networking

Iqaluit is a transient place and those in influential positions change most often.  Getting to know and work with key decision makers amid so much change is challenging.

The way forward, to a community driven by Inuit societal values, requires that we work together, empower Inuit and foster Inuit leadership. Qanak Lunch & Learn gives attendees a support network of leaders, mentors and cohorts. We get to know key decision makers, find ways of working together, influence decisions about Nunavut and envision our role in our territory’s future.

Who should attend?

If you care about Nunavut and want to make a difference, you should attend.

Children

The Inuit way of living in harmony views childrearing as a process to develop creative, productive and resilient adults. Attendees are encouraged to bring young children to Qanak Lunch & Learn sessions to nourish their bodies with country food and nourish their minds with stories of northern leadership.

LGBTQ+

All Qanak groups and events are LGBTQ+ friendly.

Inuit Societal Values

The Qanak Lunch & Learn series was designed with Inuit Societal Values at the core to create a place where northerners are comfortable. These values guide our personal and professional lives:

  • Inuuqatigiitsiarniq: Respecting others, relationships and caring for people.
  • Tunnganarniq: Fostering good spirits by being open, welcoming and inclusive.
  • Pijitsirniq: Serving and providing for family and/or community.
  • Aajiiqatigiinniq: Decision making through discussion and consensus.
  • Pilimmaksarniq/Pijariuqsarniq: Development of skills through observation, mentoring, practice, and effort.
  • Piliriqatigiinniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq: Working together for a common cause.
  • Qanuqtuurniq: Being innovative and resourceful.
  • Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq: Respect and care for the land, animals and the environment.

About us

The Qanak Lunch & Learn series is a project organized by the Qanak Collective.

To receive notifications on upcoming Nikurrangajut events, sign up for the Lunch & Learn Mailing List.

Share your ideas for topics, speakers or get involved by contacting :

info@qanak.com