Student Life | Nunavut Sivuniksavut

“NS has been the most amazing year of my life. I have learned so much about Nunavut…and how lucky I am to be an Inuk. I have learned a lot about myself and what I want to do in the future. NS has opened many doors for me, and I will always be thankful for coming here…”
- JA

drawing of students enjoying books and conversation

Orientation

During their first week at NS, students will partake in an unforgettable orientation at a beautiful and rustic cottage called Harris Farm. This week will be filled with games, ice-breakers, kayaking, hiking, campfires, cooking, and more fun activities. We encourage students to use this time to familiarize themselves with some new faces and learn more about the details of our program. By the time they leave orientation, students will certainly feel refreshed and confident to start their first semester at NS!

Watch video: What orientation at NS is like

Residence

Through the generous support of Nunavut Tunngavik, the three Regional Inuit Associations, Nunasi Corporation, and Atuqtuarvik Corporation, NS now owns a beautiful residence complex.

These Somerset apartments are a short 15 minute walk to the NS Centre. Students share accommodations with other 1st and 2nd year students, each with their own private room. Live-in residence staff are available for support. There is also a separate common area where students gather to study and socialize.

Community Partners

We understand that healthcare, childcare, and community supports are essential services for students’ experience at NS, which is why we work closely with our local community partners at the Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team, the Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families, and Tunngasugvingat Inuit. At all times, we encourage students to reach out to our staff if they are in need of any support.

Student Supports

Deciding to move away from family and community to pursue post-secondary education is a brave endeavour. We understand that this decision comes with many challenges and that students can only be successful if their full range of needs are acknowledged and addressed. All staff go out of their way to develop positive relationships with students and demonstrate commitment to supporting them through their whole range of needs—whether they are academic, financial, lifestyle, or emotional/psychological. When specialized needs arise, there are specialized supports available.

“In my second month at NS I became very homesick. Staff were always available to help me through that time and helped me stay in touch with my family. The support at NS is amazing!”
- FQ

NS Centre

The NS Centre is located in the heart of Downtown Ottawa at 450 Rideau Street. This new space has allowed our enrollment to double and has been able to house the second year program. From our classes to community gatherings, cultural programming, and more, students will have the opportunity to take part in several life changing experiences at the NS Centre.

The NS Centre is also the students’ home away from home and remains open to use after hours. Students will quickly come to realize just how much time they spend learning and growing at the NS Centre

NS Center, Rideau street, Ottawa — NS Centre, 450 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Country Food

Diet, routine, and sleep play an important role in the NS experience, which is why the access to country food is essential. Don’t worry, students will still be able to feed their Inuit cravings here in Ottawa, as we receive donations and purchase country food on a regular basis.

NS students — Building Community: At NS we strive to create another Nunavut community while students are living in Ottawa.
Students have the opportunity to meet other Nunavummiut. Some of these friendships will last a lifetime!