Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ)
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit is traditional Inuit Knowledge.
Inuit societal values are particularly relevant to the way our Government should deliver its programs and services. We need to use these important principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. Words of advice have often come from our elders who learned these values from their elders before them. We need to follow these principles in our efforts to make our government, and the programs and services we offer more responsive to the people we serve.
It is the department's mandate to incorporate IQ in the delivery of our programs and services. Our policies and practices must be consistent with the beliefs, customs, values and the language of Inuit.
Inuit as a people have a long-standing code of behaviour based on time-honored values and practices. These values were communicated to younger Inuit at a very early age through stories, songs, direct modeling of behaviour and legends that spoke of the success associated with remembering them.
Today this system and the past methods for communicating these values have been interrupted by outside influences and new institutions. We must find ways to build these beliefs into what we do today so that once again these beliefs become the value system for Nunavut.
Connection Values - sharing, generosity, family, respect, love, listening, equality, significance and trust.
Work Values - volunteer, observe, practice, mastery, teamwork, cooperation, unity, consensus and conservation.
Coping Values - patience, endurance, improvisation, strength, adaptability, resilience, resourcefulness, moving forward, take the long view, survival, interconnectedness and honesty.
These values are based on the eight Guiding Principles as outlined below – which can also be found in Pinasuaqtavut:
Pijitsirarniq: Concept of serving
The concept of serving is central to the Inuit style of leadership as is the measure of the maturity and wisdom of an Inuk. Key here is the understanding that each person has a contribution to make and is a valued contributor to his/her community. Students will be expected to demonstrate this kind of leadership and commitment to serving the common good.
Aajiiqatigiingniq: Consensus–Decision Making
The concept of consensus decision-making relies on strong communication skills and a strong belief in shared goals. All students are expected to become contributing members of their community and to participate actively in building the strength of Inuit in Nunavut. Being able to think and act collaboratively, to assist with the development of shared understandings, to resolve conflict in consensus-building ways, and to consult respecting various perspectives and worldviews, are expectations that cross all curriculum areas.
Pilimmaksarniq: Concept of Skills and Knowledge Acquisition
The concept of skills and knowledge acquisition and capacity building is central to the success of Inuit in a harsh environment. Building personal capacity in Inuit ways of knowing and doing are key expectations for students. Demonstrating empowerment to lead a successful and productive life, that is respectful of all, is a powerful end goal of our educational system.
Qanuqtuurungnarniq: Concept of Being Resourceful to Solve Problems
The concept of being resourceful to solve problems, through innovative and creative use of resources and demonstrating adaptability and flexibility in response to a rapidly changing world, are strengths all our students should develop. Resourcefulness should be demonstrated in all learning and also thinking that seeks to improve the context in which Inuit live.
Piliriqatigiingniq: Concept of Collaborative Relationship or Working Together for a Common Purpose
The concept of developing collaborative relationships and working together for a common purpose. The essential Inuit belief that stresses the importance of the group over the individual should pervade all our teaching. Expectations for students will reflect working for the common good, collaboration, shared leadership and volunteerism. Pili riqatigiingniq also sets expectations for supportive behaviour development, strong relationship-building and consensus-building.
Avatimik Kamattiarniq: Concept of Environmental Stewardship
The concept of environmental stewardship stresses the key relationship Inuit have with their environment and with the world in which they live. Students will be expected to articulate respect for this mutually interdependent relationship and to demonstrate responsible behaviors that seek to improve and protect the relationship in ways that meet global challenges to environmental wellness.
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