Each year ITK honours outstanding Inuit who have made contributions to the advancement of us as a people. There are five awards, in the areas of Health Care, Regional, International, Women, and Youth issues. This year the recipient are from Nunavut.
ITK Advancement of International Issues Award: Raymond Ningeocheak
Raymond Ningeocheak has held the position of Vice-President with NTI since its inception. He is revered by Nunavummiut for his commitment to conservation of wildlife, Inuit culture and harvesting rights. Recently, in 2009, his political leadership in opposing a proposed ban on trade of polar bear at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species was critical in defeating the proposed ban. He received his award while attending the ICC General Assembly in Nuuk, Greenland on July 1, 2010.
ITK Health Care Worker Award:Regilee and Thomasie Ootook
Regilee and Thomasie Ootook together provide counselling to individuals and couples combining traditional teaching and modern counselling techniques. Together as husband and wife they receive several requests and invitations from communities across Nunavut to hold counselling and teaching sessions. Their contribution to Nunavut by sharing their wisdom and teachings is invaluable.
ITK Advancement of Regional Issues Award: Charlie Evalik
Charlie Evalik is from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut and has been a leader of the Kitikmeot region and Nunavut for many years. He has led the Kitikmeot region into the new territory of Nunavut and into new areas such as mining and exploration. Always a forward thinker, Charlie recently led the development of the Nunavut Resources Corporation effectively laying down the foundation for Inuit to have an opportunity to reach the highest potential economic benefits in all areas of the mineral development in Nunavut.
ITK Advancement of Women Award: Kanayuk Salamonie
Kanayuk Salamonie embodies the qualities it takes to strive in the Arctic. Her perseverance and nurturing nature has allowed her to address serious matters such as abuse and have gained her respect both in her community of Cape Dorset and in boardrooms across Nunavut.
ITK Advancement of Youth Award: Abraham Kublu
Abraham Kublu proved himself at a young age as the Deputy Mayor of Pond Inlet at 24 and later as Mayor at age 28. He was involved in the youth committee and assisted with the creation of the Baffin Regional Youth Council.
