Ataguttaaluk Elementary School

About Ataguttaaluk Elementary School

We are a kindergarten to grade seven school located on Igloolik Island, near the Melville Peninsula. We have an enrolment of about 330 students and a staff of about 35. Our school community is dedicated to helping each one of our students succeed and flourish.  

Our school strives to model everything it does after the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangitprinciple of innuqatigiitsiarniq. This principle is about showing a respectful and caring attitude for others. We believe that building relationships in this way helps develop strength in our students, in ourselves and in our community. It is foundational to Inuit ways of being.

Through our commitment to the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, the mission of Ataguttaaluk Elementary School is to ensure all our students develop the skills, confidence and cultural pride required to pursue their dreams, realize their ambitions, become lifelong learners and contribute positively to their community.

I.Q. Principles

Many of the lessons at Igloolik are based in the I.Q. Principles. These principles guide the Inuit in their daily 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.

Respect and care for the land, animals and the environment.

Some Simple Vocabulary in Inuktitut:

English Inuktitut Phonetics

Good Morning Ulaakut Oo-lah-coot

Good Afternoon Unusakut Oo-nah-sa-coot

Thank you Nakurmiik Na-koor-meek

You are welcome Ilaali Ee-lah-li

Polar Bear Nanuq Naa-nook

Seal Nattiq Naa-tick

Caribou Tuktu Took-two