Inuvik’s East Three School Official Grand Opening

Communiqués de presse

INUVIK (October 10, 2012) – This morning marked the official grand opening of Inuvik’s new super school, East Three.

“Students need sound infrastructure with a healthy and safe environment to learn and grow in,” said the Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. “A new school means a fresh start for the community and endless possibilities for students. I want to congratulate everyone involved with this project, and thank them for all their hard work.” 

The Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and MLA for Inuvik-Twin Lakes, spoke on behalf of Minister Lafferty at the event.

Eagerly anticipated by the residents of Inuvik, the official opening of East Three School marks the beginning of a new chapter in education for the community. Involving students, teachers and community members and leaders throughout the design and construction of the project has helped make the school and the learning environment a community-wide priority.

Designed by Pin Taylor Architects, the super school replaces both Sir Alexander Mackenzie School and Samuel Hearne Secondary School. The school’s distinctive architecture complements the cultures and heritage of Inuvik and in many areas, cultural imagery is incorporated into the layout such as Northern Games etchings in the walls of the gymnasium.

“Building high quality facilities that improve the lives of our residents is always a goal of the Department,” said the Honourable Glen Abernethy, Minister of Public Works and Services. “The new school is a true collaboration between government, the community and industry and proves that beauty and functionality can be energy efficient in the North. We are pleased to see that this collaboration also resulted in the facility being ready a full school year ahead of schedule.”

Hosted by the Beaufort Delta Education Council and the Inuvik District Education Authority, the event involved many people and organizations that had participated in the school planning and building, as well as noteworthy personnel from the Government of the Northwest Territories.  The event concluded with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Speakers at the event included:


  • Honourable George Tuccaro – Commissioner, NWT

  • Honourable Robert C. McLeod – Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, MLA, Inuvik - Twin Lakes

  • Honourable Glen Abernethy – Minister of Public Works and Services

  • Robert Alexie Jr. – President, Gwich’in Tribal Council

  • Nellie Cournoyea – Chair/CEO, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

  • Roy Cole – Superintendent, Beaufort - Delta Education Council

  • Alfred Moses – MLA, Inuvik - Boot Lake

  • Jozef Carnorgursky – President, Nihtat Gwich’in Council

  • Duane Smith – Chair, Inuvik Community Corporation

  • Denny Rodgers – Mayor, Town of Inuvik

  • Gilbert Thrasher Sr. – Chair, Beaufort - Delta Education Council

  • Paul Watters – Chair, Inuvik District Education Council 

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For more information, please contact: 

Megan Holsapple
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111