OTTAWA — Arviat, Nunavut has been chosen as the main campus location for the planned Inuit Nunangat University.

The school moved a step closer to being built today with the announcement of a $50 million investment from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and another $85 million in contributions through the Nunavut Agreement Implementation Contract.

The university, expected to open in 20230, will be the first based in the North and the first in Canada operated by and for Inuit.

It will be tasked with promoting Inuit language retention and revitalization and supporting economic and cultural opportunities in the region.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed says the university will benefit Inuit across their territories and that locations for secondary campuses are being discussed.

Obed says once it’s built, the university will allow Inuit students in Canada to obtain a post-secondary education without having to travel south.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 11, 2026.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press