Trois-Soleils in Nunavut

by Caroline Pelletier, Iqaluit, Nunavut

In December 2001, École des Trois-Soleils (in French only), the first French-language school in Nunavut, opened its doors. Despite the fact that, since 1993, there has been a French program at the Nakasuk English-language school, Francophone parents got together to create their own institution, explains Martine St-Louis, Principal of École des Trois-Soleils.

Photo : Caroline Pelletier
École des Trois-Soleils, Canada’s northernmost French-language school

École des Trois-Soleils accepts some 50 students per year. According to Ms. St-Louis, young Francophones needed a school to call their own. “It was not only to help fight assimilation and provide quality services, but also to help keep the language and culture alive,” in harmony with other cultures. They chose the name “Trois-Soleils” (three suns) to represent the three groups: Francophones, Anglophones and Inuit, as well as the other cultures that coexist in Iqaluit.

Photo : Caroline Pelletier
Trois-Soleils is just like so many other cultures that enrich each other

“The most important thing was to give the French program a home,” explains Daniel Cuerrier, President of the Association des francophones du Nunavut (in French only). He believes that an educational institution where everything happens in French makes all the difference. “For a French as a first language program to have the best possible chance of succeeding, it must be carried out in a French-only school.” At Nakasuk School, where they also teach English and Inuktitut, French did not really hold the place it deserved.

In Nunavut, out of a population of approximately 29,000 residents, there are 1,000 Francophones, the majority of which live in the capital.¹ Despite French being the minority language, École des Trois-Soleils is now a part of Nunavummiuq life. Ms. St-Louis talks about how far they have come: “There is increased visibility of the French language since we’ve opened the school. We have managed to build relationships with other schools and now we have our own place too.”

Photo : Caroline Pelletier
In September, the École des Trois-Soleils boat race kick starts the new school year, during which French is learned through arts, culture and outdoor activities.

In this environment, where everything is in French, the appropriation of the language and culture does not happen in a vacuum. “We adopted an educational program that fits with the reality of the North, that is consistent with the reality of the world in which we live here,” says Mr. Cuerrier.

However, students cannot complete all of their high school studies at École des Trois-Soleils. Therefore, there are two options for youth: continue in English at Inuksuk School or move south, to Quebec. For Rachel, it was important for her to continue her studies in French. Although it would not have prevented her from becoming bilingual, the young Iqalummiuq would have also liked to learn Inuktitut, which would have been difficult, even while living in Nunavut.

Even though Inuit represent 85% of Nunavut’s population, their language, Inuktitut, is only taught for a few hours a week in schools. However, this situation could change. In June 2009, Parliament endorsed the passage of the Official Languages Act,adopted by the Government of Nunavut a year earlier, which recognized the Inuit language as an official language of the territory, the same as English and French.

In order to pursue their education in French, most young Nunavummiut choose to study in Quebec, usually very far away from their family. This is what happened with Mr. Cuerrier’s children. “As difficult as it was as a parent, I think this has really helped my children, my son in particular, who wouldn’t have adopted French as his first language if he hadn’t continued his education in an environment where you can live in French 24 hours a day. He is Inuk. Unfortunately, he didn’t learn Inuktitut, but this only reinforced his Francophone identity,” confides Mr. Cuerrier.

Premier Eva Aariak compared the challenge Francophones face to that of Inuit. In her opinion, Inuit envy the progress made by the Francophone community, but also see it as a model. “The Francophone school is a good example of what can be done with a little effort. This school is a testament to the patience of Francophones in Nunavut so that their children can learn in their first language,” says Ms. Aariak.

In his position, Mr. Cuerrier works towards the recognition and growth of Nunavut’s Francophone community. Just like many Francophones in Nunavut, Mr. Cuerrier believes he can help build a better world. “There was a shift in direction in my life after I realized: I have the right to live in French. The contribution from our Francophone community can improve the well-being of society in general; it’s a positive thing. And if we make this contribution in French, all we’re doing is adding some colour to the landscape.” 

Important links:

Profile of Nunavut’s Francophone community released by the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (in French only)
Government of Nunavut
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
To learn more about Nunavut’s official languages

1. Visit the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages’ Web site for more information on official languages statistics in Nunavut.