Agnico Eagle has been a major sponsor of the Kivalliq Science Camp since 2014, an annual event organized by the Kivalliq Science Educators’ Community (KSEC).  Each community in the region is able to send four high school students and a teacher as their representatives, who then have the opportunity to participate in scientific and cultural activities with Inuit elders and science teachers serving as the instructors. Inuit Societal Values (also referred to as IQ values – see sidebar) are a key focus throughout the week as well and on successful completion of the camp the students receive two high school credits.

Of course, purchasing supplies and flying students in from around the Kivalliq region for this unique educational experience is an expensive undertaking. Agnico Eagle contributes roughly 10 to 20 % of KSEC’s funding, in addition to government contributions and other sponsors, to ensure that the camp can continue to be offered to students in the region. We also donate resources to participate and instruct students on topics such as science exploration, mining and geology, where we see educating the next generation of youth as an important part of our commitment to sustainable development.

The 2018 Science Camp was held in early September in Chesterfield Inlet. Spending time on the land is an important part of Nunavut culture, and the environment plays such an important role that it is a natural setting for this learning. Katelyn Proulx, an Agnico Eagle Adult Educator was in attendance this year and noted: “KSEC does an amazing job of offering students the opportunity to engage in science and culture. This year’s camp focused on kayaking, the basics of first aid, and GPS navigation skills. Students also had the opportunity to cook meals on Coleman stoves and practice team work during a chili cook-off,” said Katelyn.  “It was amazing to see these students take on new challenges, learn new skills and create lasting friendships. I was very happy to lend a hand and guide students throughout the weekend”.

This year, we were also proud to introduce the first-ever Agnico Eagle Leadership Award, for the student who demonstrated the most consistent development of their leadership skills, applied IQ values in all aspects of the camp’s activities and always put the group first. Morgan Kakuktinniq from Rankin Inlet won this year’s award, which consisted of a tent, sleeping bag and camping stove.  He was presented with his prize on November 6th at his high school, Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik.  He was accompanied by his parents, David and Goretti Kakuktinniq, as well as his science teacher, Mark Pearson, who also attended the camp.  Morgan was proud of his achievement and thrilled to receive the camping gear!

In the future Agnico Eagle will be continuing to offer the Leadership Award as part of the KSEC Science Camp. In 2019 the camp theme will be “Camp Hard Rock” and this year it will be held in Baker Lake. We are hopeful that our support and participation in these unique educational opportunities will help create the next generation of geologists and miners in the Kivalliq region!

Inuit Societal Values (also referred to as Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit or IQ values)

Government of Nunavut

From its start in 1999, our government has been guided by Inuit societal values. We continue to be guided by these principles as we address our challenges and step forward together towards a brighter future:

  • Inuuqatigiitsiarniq: Respecting others, relationships and caring for people.
  • Tunnganarniq: Fostering good spirits by being open, welcoming and inclusive.
  • Pijitsirniq: Serving and providing for family and/or community.
  • Aajiiqatigiinniq: Decision making through discussion and consensus.
  • Pilimmaksarniq/Pijariuqsarniq: Development of skills through observation, mentoring, practice, and effort.
  • Piliriqatigiinniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq: Working together for a common cause.
  • Qanuqtuurniq: Being innovative and resourceful.
  • Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq: Respect and care for the land, animals and the environment.