Nunavut capital is 1 of 8 communities named by ITK as finalists for post-secondary institution

Iqaluit would be a “great place” for Inuit Nunangat University, says Mayor Solomon Awa.

Awa made the comments Tuesday night after city councillors voted to direct staff to begin preparing a proposal to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami about why the Nunavut capital should be the planned university’s home.

“[Iqaluit] is a natural home for a university,” Awa said.

Inuit Nunangat University is ITK’s long-running plan to build a post-secondary institution somewhere in the Inuit homeland.

Last month, ITK named Iqaluit as one of eight shortlisted communities to be the school’s potential host. The othes are Inuvik in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nain in Nunatsiavut, Puvirnituq and Kuujjuaq in Nunavik, and Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet and Arviat in Nunavut.

In an Oct. 6 letter to Awa and council, ITK president Natan Obed invited the city to confirm by Oct. 30 that it is interested in submitting a proposal.

“This will start discussions with our [Inuit Nunangat University] team at ITK on your community’s needs and capacity,” Obed wrote.

“Afterward, you’ll be guided in preparing a full proposal for the main campus. Communities not selected may still be considered for one of three [Inuit Nunangat University] Knowledge Centres using existing facilities.”

On Tuesday, Iqaluit chief administrative officer Steve England sought direction from council on how the city should respond.

Coun. Kyle Sheppard called Iqaluit the “logical home” for Inuit Nunangat University, citing the city’s infrastructure. He moved to direct staff to respond to ITK with an expression of interest.

Awa agreed with Sheppard, noting that the city is midway through its long-term water supply and delivery system upgrades.

He also said a university would be a great addition to the city’s educational institutions, which include Nunavut Arctic College and six kindergaten-through-Grade 12 schools.

“We have to advertise Iqaluit, ‘Hey, come over here,’ and ‘this is [a] great place,’” Awa said.

However, the decision lies with ITK.

The Inuit organization plans to select its main campus later this year, with an aim to open in 2030.

The school is expected to have the capacity to host 100 students and 80 staff.