Beginning next summer, Syracuse University students will have the opportunity to live among the Inuit in Nuvavut, Canada, through the Division of International Programs Abroad’s newest summer program.

Holly Dobbins, director of the Arctic Journey Program, said it originated from a recent Inuit social movement in Canada.

‘On April 1, 1999, one-fifth of Canada became a new territory under the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement,’ Dobbins said. ‘In the agreement with the federal government, the Inuit agreed to an extinguishment of aboriginal title to the land in return for outright ownership to 16 percent of the land and a public government.’

DIPA’s director of summer programs, Daisy Fried, said the organization is excited to do the program because it is so much different from what DIPA already offers.

‘The program also fits in extremely well with Chancellor (Nancy) Cantor’s vision of diversity for the University,’ she said. ‘The Chancellor has an interest for the Native American community in the area.’

Prior to the trip to Nunavut, students will be introduced to the indigenous people’s movement and its central figures in Syracuse. Students will fly to Ottawa and interact with Inuit organizations, parliament and take part in an Inuit leadership training school, Dobbins said.

In Nunavut, students will be in contact with the Inuit leaders, government officials, hunters and sewers that made the movement possible after 30 years of struggle, Dobbins said.

‘The students will learn what it takes to start a social movement and how the history of the indigenous people has similarities and differences to people from the United States,’ she said. ‘We’re going to learn from the Inuit and also share with them what life is like where we’re from.’

The program is especially welcomed by the American Indian community in Syracuse because November celebrates Native American Heritage Month. The Iroquois, based out of Central New York, are a tribe the Inuit have learned a lot from, Dobbins said.

‘In 1921, the Iroquois leader Deskah went to the League of Nations in Geneva,’ she said. ‘The Inuit know about him and are inspired by him.’

Emily Pipher, a freshman wildlife science major at State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, said the new DIPA program sounds like a great idea.

‘I’ve always wanted to learn more about the Inuit,’ she said. ‘I wouldn’t be able to go next summer. If I had the means I would do it.’

Fried also said she thought the program was beneficial.

‘I think this program is very important in terms of provided students who are interested in environmental studies,’ she said. ‘It gives indigenous people an opportunity to experience the culture.’

The Iroquois inspired the Inuit and now students can learn what the Inuit did and bring that with them back to Syracuse, Dobbins said.

‘The program comes from and supports Syracuse University’s Native American studies program,’ Dobbins said. ‘It reflects the commitment the University is making to indigenous people.’

With Dobbins, students will have the opportunity to make the Nunavut journey with someone with firsthand experience, Fried said.

‘She spent some time in Nunavut last summer,’ she said. ‘If I could, I would go with her.’

Published on November 1, 2005 at 12:00 pm