Sivuniit Middle School
Igloolik, NU
Our school strives to model everything it does after the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principle 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.
Sivuniit Middle School is a 7-9 school with approximately 140 students.
Details
Population of Igloolik
1,455
Languages Spoken
Inuktitut
English
Grades
Grades 7 - 9
About Sivuniit Middle School
Spelled ‘Iglulik’ in Inuktitut, this vibrantly artistic community is considered to be a cultural epicentre for the Inuit people. Iglulingmiut (residents of Igloolik) deeply value traditional culture. Igloolik is the home of Isuma Productions, a company noted for its films depicting traditional Inuit lifestyles. The best-known is Atanarjuat, the Fast Runner, but Isuma has produced many films that deal with various aspects of traditional Inuit life and the effect of contact with Europeans, such as in the film The Journals of Knud Rasmussen. Many of the films can be viewed online.
Igloolik is also home to Artcirq, the only Inuit circus troupe in the world. Events such as the annual Return of the Sun Festival offer opportunities for the community to celebrate local culture with igloo-building contests, dog-team races, and traditional games. Iglulingmiut have also retained a taste for traditional “country food” (wildlife hunted or fished as food). The community is famous for its igunaq, or fermented walrus meat, is a local delicacy.
Basic Phrases:
Ullaakkut [ooh – lah – koot] = "Good morning"
Ullukkut [oo – loo – koot] = "Good afternoon"
Qujannamiik [ qu-uh-an-a-meek] = "thank you"
