Master's (Coursework) Student, Arctic & Subarctic Futures, School of Arctic and Subarctic Studies

What does it mean to be mesmerized by the beat of a drum? To Natalie Jacque, it has been life-changing. 

After Graduating with a Bachelor of Education in Native and Northern Studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Natalie knew she wanted to live and teach within Nunatsiavut. Like the beat of a drum, it felt like a calling to live along the coast and to reconnect to my roots; to the Inuktitut language and culture.  

Over fifteen years ago, the stars had aligned and Makkovik is where her teaching career began, where she met her husband, and where they continue to raise their beloved boys:

“It is a beautiful and simplistic life we are building. I see similarities while teaching within the classroom as well. It is apparent to see just how important inclusion is within the classroom; inclusion of Inuktitut and ilusivut classes, of Inuit culture found within literature and of oral traditions found within music. Traditional Inuit drum dancing and throat-singing is certainly a love of mine and I try to pass on my knowledge to the students.”

Natalie’s Master's work within the Arctic & Subarctic Futures program at the Labrador Campus will include an intertwining of her love of inclusion and music. Music has a powerful energy that unites us and infuses its warmth within us all. 

A particular interest of Natalie’s is finding ways to support children with exceptionalities (and their families), living in the North as they cope with limited access to necessary resources:

“Our children are our future and no child should be left behind.”

A focus of Natalie's moving forward will be on discovering how the inclusion of Inuit drum dancing and throat-singing within the K-12 school system supports youth with exceptionalities within Nunatsiavut, Labrador.