The Government of Nunavut, in partnership with the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the Nunavut Fisheries and Marine Training Consortium (NFMTC) is proud to offer the 2024 Naluaiqsijiit: Inuit Cruise Training program. The Nalunaiqsijiit program is specifically designed for Inuit interested in pursuing a career in the expedition cruise ship industry. Nalunaiqsijiit roughly translates to “ones who clarify”.
By becoming a part of the emerging expedition cruise industry, Inuit will take ownership of our knowledge and how it is shared in Inuit Nunangat. The program equips participants with the skills and certifications needed for employment on expedition ships and other marine vessels globally.
The Nalunaiqsijiit program is divided into three phases. Each phase is broken down into intense multi-week blocks which includes in class sessions, marine certifications ending with a placement on an Arctic Expedition Cruise vessel as a contracted staff member.
NOTE: Not all participants will join all aspects of phase 2. Participants will be selected based on roles pursued as well as mid to long term personal career planning. This does not exclude you from taking part in Phase 3.
The Nalunaiqsijiit program is open to Nunavut beneficiaries aged 19-70, who are willing and able to travel internationally for training and complete a multi-week paid placement between July and September.
Participants should be:
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut, and the Nunavut Fisheries Marine Training Consortium cover the full cost of training, travel, accommodations, and meals. Participants will also receive a per diem during the course.
We are currently accepting applications for up to twelve applicants aged 19–70 in each cohort. To apply, send an email to jason_edmunds@outlook.com or call 416-886-8393 with the following information:
Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
*Application Deadline for 2024 cohort is April 12, 2024. Applicants will be selected based on suitability and order of application.
“As Inuit, it is important that we are at the forefront of all economic opportunities including one of Nunavut biggest industries, tourism. As a young inuk seeking career opportunities in the marine tourism industry participating in the Inuit Cruise Training Initiative was a no brainer.
Having had the immense opportunity in the past of being employed with Adventure Canada and travelling to some of Nunavut’s most beautiful, remote and historic sites while sharing my Inuit history and culture with passengers and staff alike, was a turning point in my life that offered a career path.
If Inuit are to fully be involved and benefit in the marine tourism industry it must be in every aspect of the industry and not just as cultural interpreters. Participating in the Inuit Training Initiative gave me the knowledge, skills, confidence and most importantly the certifications to work on a commercial passenger vessel so I may advance in this industry.”
Jennifer Kilabuk, Iqaluit, Nunavut
“The first session of training was held in Iqaluit, May of 2019. There I joined 11 other Inuit from across the Nunavut Territory. Our main instructor was an Inuk Expedition leader and most of our guest instructors were Inuit as well. In the classroom we all shared the same culture yet each and everyone of us brought such diverse backgrounds, ages, experiences, life stages, and family dynamics.
During our intense 2-week training session we learned, and we shared. Modules consisted of hospitality, passenger safety, polar bear guarding, firearms safety and use, expedition guiding, Inuit culture, Nunavut, and wildlife.
I am still processing the fact that [the internship on board] actually happened. Ice caps, glaciers, icebergs, bowhead whales, beluga whales, bears, birds, culture, Franklin Expedition graves and memorials, Thule sites, Hudson Bay posts, Inuit communities, a man in Greenland flipping his kayak in a demo over and over again!”
Inuujaq Leslie Fredlund, Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
