Nunavut Arctic College

The Environmental Technology Program (ETP) builds knowledge and skills directly connected to the Nunavut environment.  Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in resource development, wildlife conservation, waste and water management, environmental monitoring and law enforcement and parks management.  In particular, the ETP Diploma meets the employment needs of Pond Inlet, a community of 1700 adjacent to three natural parks, the proposed marine mammal sanctuary in Lancaster Sound and also the gateway to Baffinland’s Mary River iron-ore mining development.

“Through the generous support and commitment of our industry partners, Arctic College will continue to deliver high-quality programming aimed a providing our students with the skills they need for success,” said the Hon. Daniel Shewchuk, Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College. “Our Pond Inlet students will be well positioned upon graduation to take advantage of the many careers available in Nunavut’s rapidly-growing mineral exploration and mining sectors. The Government of Nunavut hopes to see more industry partners in developing and supporting community training initiative for Nunavummiut in the future. This should set precedence to industry leaders that are or will be developing in our Great Territory.”

The ETP Diploma kicks off January 9th in Pond Inlet with 13 students entering the second year of the program. The students will study a wide range of environmental sciences and participate in field work including a specialized course designed for, and delivered by, Baffinland at the Mary River site. Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation is focused on the exploration and development of its Mary River property, which consists of 9 high-grade iron ore deposits on Baffin Island.

“The signing of this MOU represents the realization of an active partnership between Baffinland and Nunavut Arctic College, the QIA, and the Government of Nunavut, said Erik Madsen, Vice-President Sust ainable Development, Health, Safety and Environment for Baffinland. “The MOU reaffirms our commitment to support local education initiatives that will help to maximize Inuit participation throughout the life of the mine.  As the mining development progresses, there will be a critical need to hire job -ready Inuit Environmental Technologists from the North Baffin region who can contribute to the future success of the Project.  A key measure of success of the Mary River Project will be Baffinland’s contribution to the social, cultural and economic development of sustainable communities adjacent to our operations.”

In addition to the Baffinland contribution, Nunavut Arctic College has received financial support to deliver the ETP Diploma in Pond Inlet from the Kakivak Association and the Nunavut Government’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation.

For more information, contact:

Jason Carpenter
Senior Instructor
Nunavut Research Institute
Building 959-A
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0
Phone: 867-979-7285
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Gregory G. Missal, VP Corporate Affairs
Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation
Suite 1016
120 Adelaide Street
Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1
Phone: 416-814-3164
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it