Inuit youth and ethnic identity change: The Nunavut Sivuniksavut experience

Abstract

Rapid social change in the Canadian Arctic has led to circumstances which make it increasingly difficult for young Inuit to develop and maintain a distinct cultural identity. Inuit, and many other Aboriginal groups in similar circumstances, are looking to education to play a role in cultural maintenance and revitalization. This study explored the experience of Inuit youth in Nunavut Sivuniksavut, a post-secondary program for Inuit youth from Nunavut. The findings indicated that the students experienced positive changes in all areas of ethnic identity, developing attitudes of pride and respect for their culture, an increased sense of belonging to it, an understanding of their cultural history, as well as an understanding of the relationship of Inuit with the majority society. The findings also identified program elements contributing to this change. The study develops a framework for viewing ethnic identity development in other settings and presents a model which describes how students developed a valuing of their cultural distinctiveness in a contemporary context.