About Inuksuk High School

Inuksuk High School is the largest high school in Nunavut with a population of 410 students and over 40 teachers and support staff. This dynamic school is a wonderful place to learn and experience a positive school culture.

Many of the students come from Aqsarniit Middle School, Iqaluit's only middle school. Other students come to us from Iqaluit's French school, l'école des Trois-Soleils. Students from the French school have the opportunity to continue their education from grades 10 to 12 in French at Inuksuk. In general, students receive their instruction in English, Inuktitut, and/or French depending on their course selection. Inuksuk High School students are academically engaged and actively involved in many extracurricular activities. Each individual student comes with his or her own unique personality and strengths.

Inuksuk High school offers a variety of courses for students including drama, technology and shop, visual arts, law, english and several science strands. The school also offers the Aulajaaqtut course which focusses on Inuit values, setting personal goals related to values, developing and nurturing healthy relationships, and recognizing the issues related to overall personal wellness. The curriculum creates a critical understanding of Inuit identity, social history, the impact of colonialism on the Inuit, and the contribution of Inuit to northern exploration and development. Throughout the curriculum there is a focus on leadership within the context of Inuit culture. At each level, there is a practicum which involves students in self-directed projects with younger children, the community and the global village.

Inuksuk High learners are always eager to participate in sessions which involve building, art and creativity. Several of the students are English Language Learners so some of the teachers have reminded our presenters to slow their pace of speaking to support understanding.

The music department at Inuksuk High is nationally and internationally recognized. Their Inuit Drum dancers perform globally at events and most recently performed with Susan Aglukark at the National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Toronto.

Inuksuk High School also offers a unique baking, food and nutrition course. Students work with teachers to prepare country foods (seal, caribou, char) as well as other meals to feed the school population every other day. These courses provide the school community with an opportunity to learn how to prepare local foods as well as enable students to stay at school for a healthy lunch.

Many extra curricular activities run all year which include a hockey academy, volleyball, robotics, hairdressing, robotics, traditional Inuit arts, students council, yearbook and green club. These opportunities encourage students to become leaders within and outside of the school community.

Now that student travel is allowed outside the school, international trips are planned to encourage students to experience visits to international locations. Trips in the past included Australia, Galapagos Islands and Europe.

We know you will enjoy your visit to Inuksuk High and hope you have the opportunity to learn more about their amazing school community.

I.Q. Principles

Many of the lessons at Apex 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