In 1962, following the discovery of valuable natural resources in Northern Quebec, the Government of Quebec decided to commit itself to Eskimo and Indian affairs in the area, preparing these people who were already physiologically and psychologically adapted to the territory so that they could play a personal role in its development. An educational training program was established for the entire population, both young and adult, with the eventual goal of preparing Native teachers to manage their own schools. All subjects in the program's first cycle (grades K-2) were taught in the Native language since it was felt that an early emphasis on the mother tongue would enable the students to succeed to new concepts and forms of expression, even those not in a familiar milieu, more easily than they would using French or English. Subjects were changed to a second language in the higher grades. Initially, teaching assistants were chosen locally, serving a 3 year classroom apprenticeship under the southern teachers, after which they were given the opportunity to improve their personal education. Answers must still be found, however, for the problems that arose from the confrontation of 2 radically different ethnic groups. Even if Eskimo is the language of instruction, the program itself belongs to an alien culture. It was not surprising, therefore, that the Eskimo adults, including the teacher aides, did not feel that the school was an integral part of their community. (KM)