An inspiring visit from the chair of the board at Collège Nordique

Collège Nordique had the honour of welcoming Aleksandar Kovacevic, chair of the board of directors, from May 5 to 9, 2025, in Yellowknife. Based in Inuvik, Mr. Kovacevic made an official in-person visit to the College as part of a strategic meeting tour and meaningful exchanges with the team.

A committed board at the heart of northern Francophonie

Upon his arrival, Aleksandar participated in a meeting during which the executive director, Patrick Arsenault, presented the College’s annual report and business plan. This in-depth exchange provided an opportunity to update him on ongoing projects and strategic issues, while further anchoring the College’s vision within the unique context of minority and northern Francophonie. His active participation was both noted and appreciated. Aleksandar also took part in a working meeting of the pan-territorial post-secondary education collaboration committee.

A friendly gathering with the team

The following day, the Collège Nordique team — both in person and online — had the pleasure of sharing an informal lunch with Aleksandar. He took the opportunity to present his background, connect individually with several team members, and reaffirm his commitment to the College’s mission. This warm and human moment strengthened the bond between the board and the operational team.

Passing the torch and looking ahead

On Tuesday evening, a dinner with Patrick Arsenault and Angélique Ruzindana Umunyana, former chair of the board, offered a moment of transition and reflection. Discussions focused on how governance has evolved over the past six years, on shared learnings, and on future visions. The meeting helped align perspectives and sharpen long-term goals.

“Aleksandar’s presence at the College was a source of inspiration and unity. His attentive listening, his understanding of the northern context, and his deep commitment to our mission have strengthened the foundations of our governance. His background in human resources, his experience within an Indigenous government, and his dedication to Francophone organizations in the NWT and across Canada are invaluable assets that will help Collège Nordique confidently move toward its next chapter.” — Patrick Arsenault, executive director

Strong ministerial recognition

One of the highlights of the visit was a meeting with the Honourable Caitlin Cleveland, minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Minister Cleveland demonstrated a solid understanding of the College’s projects and a keen interest in its mission and impact. She expressed enthusiasm for initiatives that reach beyond the NWT, such as the early childhood education program, the pan-territorial symposium on inclusive leadership, and the partnership with uArctic. This recognition of the work being done confirms the relevance and consistency of the College’s approach.

Strengthening ties with government authorities

Aleksandar also took part in meetings aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the political and institutional dynamics in the NWT. These discussions continued during a meeting with James Fulford, deputy minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and Shannon Barnett-Aikman, assistant deputy minister responsible for Education and Early Childhood, both of whom expressed a strong openness to ongoing dialogue, particularly around funding cycles and upcoming strategic projects.

Governance backed by strong expertise

The visit also included a meeting with Me Karine Toupin, a lawyer specialized in governance. She has supported the board of directors for several years in implementing sound, rigorous practices tailored to the territorial reality. Her expertise is a valuable asset to the College.

A moment of sharing and recognition

The visit concluded with a dinner alongside Mario Roger Nirinason, vice-chair of the board, to reflect on the week’s meetings. This moment of debrief allowed for a review of key takeaways, next steps, and priorities to move forward.

This visit was far more than an institutional stay: it deepened the College’s governance foundations, reaffirmed governmental support for its initiatives, and fostered a rich dialogue across the different spheres of its ecosystem.

“It was a real pleasure to visit Collège Nordique in Yellowknife. I was truly moved by the positive atmosphere, the team’s strong commitment to their projects, and the richness of their diversity. I want to congratulate Patrick and the entire team for creating such a dynamic environment. I was also impressed by the recognition the College receives from the Minister of Education and her team. They have a clear understanding of the College’s mission, programs, and vision, and they greatly value its adaptability and agility in responding to the challenges in the education sector—not just in the NWT, but across the entire North.” — Aleksandar Kovacevic, Chair of the Board

We warmly thank Aleksandar Kovacevic for his attentiveness, commitment, and willingness to contribute meaningfully to the future of French-language education in the North.