Nunavimmiut Futures Fair completes 3-year tour of Nunavik

The Nunavimmiut Futures Fair has completed a three-year tour of Nunavik, bringing employers, educational institutions and other organizations into high schools across the region to introduce students to potential career paths.

This edition of the fair wrapped up in Kuujjuaq on Oct. 27 and 28 at Jaanimmarik School after visiting Puvirnituq, Inukjuak, Quaqtaq and Tasiujaq.

More than 10 organizations were on hand to give presentations to high school students. Evening sessions were also held in the school gym Oct. 28.

Participants included the FCNQ Co-op, Kativik Regional Government, Air Inuit, the Canadian Coast Guard, Ungava Tulattavik Health Center, Sanajiit, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq and Pijunnaqunga.

The goal of this initiative is to introduce the work of different organizations and the opportunities available to them, said Joëlle Fares, project development officer in adult education and vocational training.

“This will guide them in terms of what they can be in the future,” she said.

Fares has co-ordinated the fair, which launched in 2016, for three years. She said students often become more engaged as they attend presentations and learn about the different opportunities available to them.

Some participating organizations also offer part-time employment to young people as young as 16, she said.

Among the organizations participating in the fair was Pijunnaqunga, a Kativik Regional Government employment-readiness program whose name means “I can do it” in Inuktitut.

The program supports Nunavik Inuit in developing workplace skills and gaining experience through office-skills training, professional development workshops, personalized employment advising and internships.

Emaly Saviakjuk, an employment adviser with Pijunnaqunga, said the program offers intensive, one-week training sessions in communities across Nunavik. 

Participants learn to use programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, with training adapted to local needs.

Those who complete the training can receive a certificate and may be connected with internships based on their skills. Some internships can lead to job placements.

Saviakjuk has experienced that pathway herself. She completed the training in 2024 before securing a job placement with the organization.

“It does really help,” Saviakjuk said.

While the Futures Fair focuses on secondary school students, Fares said she has also heard interest from adults who would like access to similar opportunities.

She said a separate event for adults could be considered, although no plan has been confirmed.

The Futures Fairs will continue next year. Organizers will begin planning soon to determine which communities will be visited and how the next edition will be organized.