Last week, St. Daniel Catholic Elementary School opened its doors and hearts to a group of visiting students from Kangirsuk, Nunavik, as part of a meaningful cultural exchange rooted in learning, friendship, and discovery.
The Journey North program brings together St. Daniel CES in Kitchener and the northern Inuit community of Kangirsuk, located along the Payne River in the Arctic tundra of Quebec. With a population of roughly 550 residents and access primarily by air, the community is part of the Kativik School Board that serves 14 Inuit villages across Northern Quebec. Kangirsuk is known for its strong ties to tradition, close family networks, and a deep relationship with the land.
The roots of this partnership trace back to a conversation between teachers. When Joseph-mina Louka moved north to teach in Kangirsuk, he reached out to his former teacher, Carlos Roque, to imagine what learning could look like when two communities meet with curiosity and respect. Along with colleague Brenna Ianni, he helped shape the idea of an exchange that would allow students in both communities to learn side by side. Teachers noticed increases in engagement and attendance as the project grew. With Carlos and WCDSB Indigenous Learning Consultant, Jennifer Statts, they hope to continue nurturing this relationship for years to come.
Journey North reflects the WCDSB’s commitment to experiential learning, inclusion, and reconciliation. It invites students to step into each other’s worlds and learn through shared experiences. It also encourages curiosity, empathy, and respect, qualities that help young people grow into kind and informed citizens.
During their stay, our visitors joined students in classrooms, created arts and crafts, and built new friendships with the St. Daniel students who will travel north in April. They also visited Laurel Creek for a full day of outdoor exploration. Students birdwatched, fed the gentle chickadees, and marvelled at pine trees they had never seen before. The day closed with a barbecue lunch that brought everyone together in a simple and joyful moment of community.
The next chapter of the exchange takes place in April, when St. Daniel students will journey to Northern Quebec. They will observe how geography, climate, and isolation shape daily life in Kangirsuk, from food systems and housing to recreation, communication, and environmental stewardship. The local school is a central gathering place for education and community life, offering a window into the strength and resilience of northern communities.
We were truly grateful to welcome our special guests and to learn alongside them. These moments remind us of the power of community, of listening, and of walking together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. As the Journey North project continues, we look forward to strengthening these connections and offering students unique opportunities that honour culture, land, and the shared stories that bring us closer.
