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Backgrounder
Nussim School


In the Innu language, "Nussim" means grandson or granddaughter, which is the name that was given to the elementary school in Betsiamites. This name truly reflects the community's interest in the education of their children. Each community member acts as a guardian, much like a grandfather or grandmother, to protect and educate their grandson or granddaughter.

The school was formerly referred to as "School 66", in reference to the year it was built. Since 1966, the school has undergone several transformations resulting in the current building. The Nussim School underwent a third major expansion in order to respond to the growing number of students over the past years.

The Nussim School is a major center of activity for Innu youth learning the Innu language. It is mainly and foremost a tool to reinforce the preservation of the Innu culture. Several cultural activities are taught in addition to the regular provincial curriculum.

Starting at the age of 4, Innu children attend pre-school and kindergarten in Innu while learning French, which becomes the language of instruction. Elementary education is offered from grades 1 to 6. The Nussim School welcomes approximately 400 students per year.

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  Last Updated: 2004-12-29 top of page Important Notices