(July 31, 2018 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk stated today that NTI is pleased with the Nunavut Court of Appeal’s judgment to include Kivalliq Hall as an eligible Residential School under the Residential School Settlement Agreement. 

The issue was a long standing dispute with the Government of Canada since 2007.  NTI, working with Simeon Mikkungwak, a former student, brought the case in 2013 arguing that Kivalliq Hall should be treated the same as Ukiivik Residence and Akaitcho Hall.  

The Nunavut Court of Appeal’s judgement upheld Nunavut Court of Justice’s 2016 decision to include Kivalliq Hall.  The Government of Canada appealed the 2016 decision.

The Court of Appeal’s decision means that former students who attended Kivalliq Hall may be eligible to receive the same compensation under the Residential School Settlement.

“The Kivalliq Hall students experienced the same loss of language and culture, traumatic separation with families, and likely unspeakable abuse in some cases. I hope this decision will bring closure and foster reconciliation for many Kivalliq students who have been waiting for a decision since 2007.” said Kotierk.

NTI will be working with the government on an expedited timeline and process for former Kivalliq Hall students to submit their claims.

For further information: 

Karen Flaherty

A/Director of Communications

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

Tel: (867) 975-4941 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006

www.tunngavik.com