My Journey Through Nunavut Sivuniksavut: Lessons and Advice for Future Students by Annie Qimirpik
When I first heard about Nunavut Sivuniksavut, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Coming from Kimmirut — a town of about 400 people — moving to Ottawa (over a million!) was a whole other world. The program is more than just a school: it’s a cultural, emotional, and personal journey that will challenge you, inspire you, and help you grow in ways you never imagined.
Finding My Feet: First Year
• Adjusting to Ottawa: Living in a big city was overwhelming at first. The constant pressure of being around so many people — most of whom don’t even know we (Inuit) exist in our own country — was intense. Balancing “home life” and “south life” was constant, but the staff support made it manageable. Take in EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT. As Dan says: it’s all “in the blink of an eye.” HAHA lean on you friends.
• Academics: The shift from Alberta curriculum to Algonquin College credits was no joke. Beyond that, the emotional weight of Inuit-centered studies hits deep — sometimes it stings, sometimes it inspires, but it’s always necessary.
• Community: You’ll find yourself getting close to people you never thought you’d be close with. Social life flourishes outside of class, but never forget why you’re there: studies first.
• Tips & Real Talk:
• Take tutoring — not just for homework, but for perspective on projects and ideas. (It's good to speak about school work outside from NS staff and classmates)
• Moderate drinking — if you do, stick to Fridays only. Or don’t at all! Open yourself up to those who don’t drink; it’s worth it!
• Write down your goals before week two: why you applied and what you want to achieve. Revisit them often — it keeps you grounded.
Second Year: Growth and Confidence
• Academic ease: For me, second year was a dream compared to first. I excelled academically, diving into advocacy and independence. I learned to think for myself, build my writing skills, and make connections that extend beyond school. Honestly, I wish I could do it again just to breathe through it all and take it in fully.
• Moments of pride: Walking through the building and seeing first-years look up to us, delivering Inuit Awareness Workshops to federal government reps, teaching our history, pain, and rise in devolution — those are unforgettable moments. First year prepares you for it all!
• Advice:
• Mental health matters — trust me, I attended classes while sick with pneumonia, bronchitis, rhinovirus, tonsillitis, and even with an impaled mirror in my leg (ask Sam… jk). I still got A’s and B’s. Communicate with your instructors; they genuinely care.
• Lean into cultural learning — make mitts, parkas, whatever is offered. It doesn’t matter if you’ve done it before or are good at it. Bring yourself fully.
• Set boundaries early with peers and staff.
• Ask guest speakers questions — it’s an honor to learn from them.
• Workload: It’s intense, but don’t carry it all alone. Ask roommates, friends, or staff for help. Stress is heavy enough — don’t add to it.
Cultural and Emotional Impact
Being around other Inuit and learning our history and perseverance changes you. You may not realize the healing happening as you attend and pay attention, but it’s real. The program strengthens identity, resilience, and pride — and trust me, those lessons last long after the credits are done.
Advice for Future Students
• Take in every moment, even when it’s challenging.
• Ask for help when you need it — it’s not a weakness.
• Balance academics, social life, and self-care. Take 1-2 hours OR MORE of JUST pure studying, you can always cry after graduation (I stuck by that and it worked HAHA) NEVER do it last minute (one time I had to take 5-6 hrs of straight homework just to pass classes, 0.1/10 recommend ( i cried so hard at grad bc who does that??? I could've gone to Fun-Haven with friends or escape rooms etc)
• Engage in cultural practices fully, even if it’s unfamiliar. (I stuck to throat singing in first yr just to enhance my skills, but 2nd yr I did'nt take any at all and I regret it, now I wish I'd have skills to make mitts, parkas etc...
• Remember where we come from — you’ll leave stronger than you ever imagined. Inuit are strong inheretly! remember the studies.
Nunavut Sivuniksavut is a journey you’ll never forget. It will test you, inspire you, and show you the depth of your culture, history, and resilience. If you’re thinking about starting, are currently studying there or about to start, embrace it fully. We’re Inuit — and no matter the challenges, you’ll come out stronger than you ever thought possible. One of the most rewarding aspects of Nunavut Sivuniksavut is the community you build along the way. Surrounded by peers who share your values, heritage, and aspirations, you’ll create lifelong friendships and a support network that extends far beyond the classroom. Together, you'll celebrate your achievements, navigate challenges, and strengthen the collective bond that makes Inuit culture so resilient and unique.
