Skip to content

Nihtat Gwich’in school bus hits the road in Inuvik

With temperatures plunging and the nights growing ever long, children of Inuvik have a new way to get to school every day after a project several years in the making comes to fruition Nov. 22.
27255580_web1_211125-INU-NihtatBus-_2
One of two new school buses in operation in Inuvik waits for passengers in front of Boot Lake apartments Nov. 22. The buses are funded through Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative Fund. Eric Bowling/NNSL photo

With temperatures plunging and the nights growing ever long, children of Inuvik have a new way to get to school every day after a project several years in the making comes to fruition Nov. 22.

Nihtat Gwich’in Council announced a new school bus service Nov. 18 on their Facebook page. The buses made their maiden voyage at 7:50 a.m.

“There hasn’t been a bus service in the community of Inuvik and we are extremely happy to be providing this service,” said NGC President Kelly McLeod. “Our goal is to be able to provide our children with the opportunity to achieve their educational goals by ensuring that they arrive to school on time, while providing a safe, reliable and sustainable service in the future.

“Nihtat Gwich’in Council is extremely happy to be providing this for the children of Inuvik.”

Spearheaded by the previous administration and completed by the current one, the two buses and trained operators are funded through Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative Fund. Each bus will cover one-half of the community, with one setting off from Ingamo Hall and the other from Tununuk Place, both at 7: 55 a.m.

Drivers are advised to be aware it is the law to stop driving behind or adjacent to a school bus that has stopped, as children may be moving around the vehicle.

Covid-19 protocols for the bus service are in full place. Students are required to wear masks and children are only permitted to sit together if from the same household. Hand sanitizer is available, but parents are asked to monitor children for symptoms and keep any children who appear sick at home.

The schedule for the new Inuvik Bus Service, operated by Nihtat Gwich’in Council and funded through Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative Fund. Courtesy of Nihtat Gwich’in Council
The schedule for the new Inuvik Bus Service, operated by Nihtat Gwich’in Council and funded through Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative Fund. Courtesy of Nihtat Gwich’in Council


About the Author: Eric Bowling

Read more