A Renewed Commitment to Inuit-Led Education and Long-Term Opportunity

For almost two decades, Agnico Eagle has been guided by a long-term vision for Nunavut, one centered on education, skills development, and Inuit leadership. That vision is grounded in the belief that strong communities are built when young people have access to meaningful educational pathways that lead to skilled careers, local opportunity, and the ability to shape their own futures. In 2014, Agnico Eagle made its first $5 million pledge toward the creation of an Inuit-led university in Iqaluit. Announced at the time by former Agnico Eagle Chair of the Board Jim Nasso, the commitment reflected an early recognition of the importance of Inuit-controlled post-secondary education and the role it could play in advancing self-determination and economic resilience across Inuit Nunangat. Nunavut has one of the youngest populations in Canada, with a median age of just 25 and half of Inuit under working age. As the territory’s largest mining company, Agnico Eagle sees firsthand the challenges many young people face when seeking access to the education and training required for management, technical, and leadership roles. Education is foundational to creating long-term skilled jobs that support families, strengthen communities, and open doors to lifelong opportunity, both at home and beyond. On April 21, 2026, Agnico Eagle deepened its commitment by announcing a $10 million investment in support of Inuit Nunangat University. The announcement was made by Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Sean Boyd, Chair of the Board of Agnico Eagle during the Future of Business Summit hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa. “This initiative represents a meaningful opportunity to expand educational pathways for Inuit youth and to strengthen long-term capacity and leadership across Inuit Nunangat communities”, said Boyd. Inuit Nunangat University is an Inuit-led initiative that aims to transform post-secondary education through programs grounded in Inuit knowledge, language, and culture. With its main campus planned for Arviat and a presence in each Inuit treaty region, the university is set to welcome its first cohort of students in 2030. Significantly, the institution has now secured more than $160 million in critical funding, providing a strong foundation for infrastructure and campus development. Christopher Adams, Vice President, Nunavut, for Agnico Eagle, emphasized the long-term impact this investment can support. “We envision a future where leaders from Nunavut play a central role in shaping decisions that influence their communities and contribute to broader global progress,” he said. “We commend Arviat for its initiative and look forward to continued engagement as this important process moves forward.” Agnico Eagle’s commitment reflects a belief that real progress is achieved through partnership and sustained action. By supporting Inuit Nunangat University, the company is investing not only in education, but in a future led by Inuit, for Inuit, across Nunavut and beyond.