Partnership to Train Inuit Doctors

(May 4, 2022 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) With the goal of increasing the number of Inuit physicians, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) have partnered with the University of Ottawa Medical School to secure seats and provide targeted supports to students.

The Government of Nunavut, Department of Health, has secured up to two seats beginning in September 2023. All eligible applicants to this stream are entitled to apply for support from the Government of Nunavut to assist with travel and application costs.

Nunavut Inuit applicants are eligible for enhanced application support, such as in obtaining pre-requisites, through NTI and Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation’s Quvvariarniq Program. Upon admission, Nunavut Inuit applicants would also be eligible for additional ongoing educational support, such as a training allowance, childcare allowance and tutoring.

Applications to the University of Ottawa are due October 1, 2022. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early. Graduates of the Nunavut Arctic College Bachelor of Science in Arctic Nursing may be eligible. Visit https://med.uottawa.ca/undergraduate/admissions to learn more.

Quotes

“I am very pleased to see this partnership moving forward. With the help of NTI and the University of Ottawa, we are working to fulfil the Government of Nunavut’s goal of training and hiring more Inuit Health Professionals. Through this partnership, we can provide Nunavummiut with opportunities for professional employment and improve access to culturally informed care,” said Minister of Health John Main.

“Over the next few years, we would like several cohorts of Nunavut Inuit to begin training towards becoming a doctor. The training and employment of Inuit health care professionals is essential for accessible, safe, high quality Inuktut health care in Nunavut,” said Aluki Kotierk, President of NTI and Chair of the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation.

Information Session

To learn more about the University of Ottawa’s medical school, the admissions process and financial supports available from the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, please join us for a Zoom information session:

May 26, 2022 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Eastern

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88146155803?pwd=bzNuVzZzYTl6UEk3RDlPVEtrcUpaQT09

Meeting ID: 881 4615 5803
Passcode: 257701

For further information:

Chris Puglia
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
cpuglia@gov.nu.ca

Malaya Mikijuk
Director of Communications Trainee
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4900/Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006

mmikijuk@tunngavik.com
www.tunngavik.com

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