By Canadian Press

Inuit Nunangat University closer to realization with $50M Mastercard investment

Nov 27, 2024 | 9:02 AM

OTTAWA — The president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami says the dream to open an Inuit-led university is one step closer to realization after a $50 million investment from the Mastercard Foundation.

The organization, which represents 70,000 Inuit, says the funding will allow ITK to build key capacities and advance academic plans and course development.

The university would be the first of its kind and would be embedded within Inuit cultures, promote language retention and revitalization, and support economic and cultural opportunities.

A costing assessment from ITK says it needs $160 million from the public and private sectors to open a main campus and develop initial degree programs.

ITK president Natan Obed says the organization will be asking the federal government to commit $50 million in its next budget.

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He says Inuit Nunangat University will remove barriers that prevent many Inuit from accessing post-secondary education, and equip them with degrees to support the needs of their communities.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press