Municipalité Scolaire Kativik

Overview Municipalité Scolaire Kativik, more commonly referred to as the Kativik School Board (French: Commission scolaire Kativik, Inuktitut: ᑲᑎᕕᒃ ᐃᓕᓴᕐᓂᓕᕆᓂᖅ), is a nonprofit organization operating as a special-status school board. It is located in Nunavik, northern Quebec. The organization has a unique status compared to other school boards in Quebec, focusing not only on education but also on preserving and promoting Inuit culture and language.

History Established in 1975 as part of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), the Kativik School Board was created to oversee education in the predominantly Inuit region of Nunavik. Initially, its administrative headquarters were situated near the Quebec government to facilitate communication, but there have been discussions about relocating them to Nunavik for more local autonomy.

Mission and Function The organization's mission is twofold: it acts as a regional school board for all Nunavik residents while also ensuring the protection, maintenance, and development of the Inuit language, culture, and way of life. This dual role distinguishes it from other school boards in Quebec, where language is often the primary defining factor.

Educational Programs Teaching is conducted in Inuktitut, French, and English from Kindergarten to Secondary 5. The board emphasizes offering training and educational opportunities to all employees, particularly Inuit staff, aiming to increase secondary school graduation rates and promote further education.

Schools and Facilities The Kativik School Board operates 17 primary and secondary schools across Nunavik, providing education in both academic and cultural contexts. Additionally, there are six adult education centers, catering to the educational needs of adults in the community.

Challenges and Developments The school board has faced challenges related to educational standards, including issues with issuing high school diplomas due to provincial reforms. However, it continues to work towards improving graduation rates and enhancing educational infrastructure and programs tailored to the community's needs.

Registration and Status Municipalité Scolaire Kativik is registered as a nonprofit organization with the Business Registration Number 119049187RR0001. Its operational focus is on education, literacy, and cultural preservation within the Inuit community.