Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in Nunavut, explained for parents
Nunavut's Department of Education builds its programs on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), which means Inuit knowledge and ways of knowing. The Government of Nunavut describes eight IQ guiding principles. They are not marked as subjects, and they show up in how classes work and how people treat each other. Spellings and words vary from community to community.
Inuuqatigiitsiarniq
Respecting others, relationships and caring for people.
Ideas for home
- Say thank you and listen when someone speaks.
- Ask an Elder or relative about their day.
Tunnganarniq
Fostering good spirit by being open, welcoming and inclusive.
Ideas for home
- Welcome a new neighbour or classmate.
- Invite someone who is alone to join a game.
Pijitsirniq
Serving and providing for family and community.
Ideas for home
- Share food with another household.
- Help with a family or community job.
Aajiiqatigiinniq
Making decisions through discussion and consensus.
Ideas for home
- Plan a family outing by talking until everyone agrees.
- Practise listening before deciding.
Pilimmaksarniq (also Pijariuqsarniq)
Developing skills through observing, mentoring, practising and effort.
Ideas for home
- Learn a skill from a relative, step by step.
- Praise effort when something takes many tries.
Piliriqatigiinniq (also Ikajuqtigiinniq)
Working together for a common cause.
Ideas for home
- Cook or clean up as a team.
- Take on a project with friends.
Qanuqtuurniq
Being innovative and resourceful.
Ideas for home
- Make a toy or tool from things you already have.
- Ask “What else could we try?”
Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq
Respect and care for the land, animals and the environment.
Ideas for home
- Pick up garbage on a walk.
- Talk with Elders about caring for the land.
Common questions
IQ guides how teaching and learning happen across subjects, rather than being graded as a separate subject. Ask your child's teacher how it shows up in your child's school.
No. Gradelings practises subject skills. The IQ principles grow through family, Elders, the land and community, so we suggest home activities instead of scores.
The Nunavut Department of Education publishes its Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit education framework at gov.nu.ca. Local Elders and your school can share what these principles look like in your community.
Next: understand the Nunavut report card levels or browse all Nunavut parent guides. Gradelings practises subject skills; These principles grow through family, Elders, the land and everyday routines.
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