Published 1:58 pm Friday, September 25, 2026 By William Koblensky Varela Local Journalism Initiative Northern News Service A $34-million, Inuit-led research and training centre in Pond Inlet opened on Sept. 24, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association announced. The facility is aimed at increasing Inuit employment at the Mary River iron mine and expanding job opportunities for Nunavummiut Baffinland contributed $12.2 million towards the centre through its Inuit Benefit Impact Agreement with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), while the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency chipped in $10 million. Another $7.8 million was paid for by Indigenous Services Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Construction on the facility began in 2024, but was first proposed in 2016. “This centre is proof that years of hard work and determination pay off,” said QIA President Olayuk Akesuk. “It is a made-in-Nunavut solution, made possible through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to Inuit.” Heavy-equipment simulators; on-site accommodations for up to 33 people; a 20-seat classroom equipped with videoconferencing, smart technology and high-speed internet; a full-service cafeteria; and a gym are all amenities at the research centre. Nunavut Arctic College will be the first educational institution to offer programming at the site, and the QIA is looking to partner with other schools to offer university-level programming in Pond Inlet. Quebec City’s University of Laval is exploring the possibility of establishing research operations at the Pond Inlet facility and already works at the QIA’s Qikiqtarjuaq research station. No funding has been secured, nor has a project plan been laid out for the University of Laval to begin operating in Pond Inlet. Baffinland’s head of communications, Peter Akman, said the facility will help train more Inuit to work at the Mary River iron ore mine, 160 km south of Pond Inlet. “Learning and development are part of Baffinland’s core values. We’re proud to see the Mary River Project continuing to create long-term benefits for the community that support the growth and success of Nunavut’s greatest resource – Nunavummiut,” Akman said. Akesuk said Inuit need access to the highest levels of education while continuing to practise their language and culture. “Inuit are strong and capable, and we need access to education, training and capacity-building opportunities closer to home — opportunities that respect our language, culture and worldview,” he said.
QIA research station in Pond Inlet opens
