Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 12
School Staff: 17.5
Student Population: 135
School Year: September – June
Aklavik derives part of its name from the Inuvialuit term Aklak which means bear. Aklavik is located near the rugged and beautiful Richardson Mountains, home to the black bear and the grizzly bear. An abundance of bear sightings is common from spring to fall each year.
Aklavik was the hub of the McKenzie Delta when the fur industry was at its peak. The small community, in the early 1930’s, was a unique blend of cultures of Inuvialuit, Gwichin and Metis. This melting pot of cultures was strongly reflected in the community’s social environment.
Aklavik is world-known for the infamous Mad Trapper of the North incident between Albert Johnson and the RCMP. Aklavik is the burial site of the Mad Trapper and in June 2007 an exhumation of his body was done in partnership with Discovery Canada TV Channel & a production company out of Alberta.
The community was the regional government centre and had amenities such as restaurants, large hospitals & residential schools under both Roman Catholic & Anglican administration. Residential schools combined to become the Federal Day School during the1930s and 1940s. Small trading stores like Peffers and the original Pokiak Site were the first trading posts for the area.
The government leadership of the day had many concerns with the location of Aklavik as the site was prone to flooding. This was the inception of Inuvik, better known as East Three. The lure of promised housing and employment caused many residents to move to Inuvik. There was opposition from the elders and community leadership to stay in Aklavik, hence the motto“ Never Say Die!”.
Eventually the community hamlet and territorial government introduced territorial education. A new school was built in 1969. Moose Kerr School was named after Arnold J Kerr , a long- standing principal who strived to incorporate the local culture into the daily learning environment.
Moose Kerr School is home to approximately 153 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The staff consists of a principal , born & raised in Aklavik, three senior high teachers and nine teachers for K-9.
Local community members provide support staff services such as secretary, education assistants, librarian, School Counselor, and custodians. Local agencies, such as H&SS, CHR, Fire Dept, Recreation, Mental Wellness, and RCMP partner with the school to assist with program delivery.
The school building has a home economics room, a general computer lab, an online room, a science lab, a shop and a gymnasium. The gymnasium is accessible to community organizations for recreational activities. The school underwent renovation in 1997 with the expansion of the senior high wing and the addition of a beautiful library that is reflective of the cultures. The library was later recognized as a public-school library to service both students and community.
MOOSE KERR SCHOOL
P.O. BOX 120
Aklavik, NT XOE OAO
PH: (867) 978-2536
FAX: (867) 978-2829
