2019 NTI President’s Award
For immediate release:
(October 23, 2019 – Rankin Inlet, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) President Aluki Kotierk presented three Nunavut Inuit with the NTI President’s Award at the community feast in Rankin Inlet where NTI is hosting their Annual General Meeting (AGM) this week.
The NTI President’s Award is intended to recognize and celebrate Nunavut Inuit who have made significant contributions in promoting the economic, social and cultural well-being of fellow Inuit. Recipients of the 2019 NTI President’s Award are Jack Kabvitok, Nilaulaq Miriam Aglukkaq and Devon Manik. Jack Kabvitok and Nilaulaq Miriam Aglukkaq are attending the NTI AGM and were present to accept the awards in person.
“I am proud to recognize these exceptional Inuit who demonstrate leadership for Nunavut Inuit. It is important for us to celebrate the positive contributions they are making to the well-being of Nunavut and Nunavummiut” said President Kotierk. “We applaud their accomplishments and recognize the spirit and commitment they each have towards their own well-being and that of our larger Inuit community”.
Jack Kabvitok (Kangiq&iniq) is an Elder who has remained active in his community and across Nunavut. Jack has taught generations of young Inuit about hunting and harvesting techniques; the fundamental importance of respect for our land and animals; and how to be prepared and self-sufficient out on the land. Mr. Kabvitok volunteers in schools, teaching youth Inuit cultural skills and encourages youth to take their own learning seriously. Jack has also served as Mayor and as a Community Director for the Kivalliq Inuit Association Board of Directors.
Nilaulaq Miriam Aglukkaq (Uqsuqtuuq) has maintained a life-long commitment to the advancement of Inuit culture and language. Nilaulaq has led work in development of a dictionary in the Nattilingmiut dialect as a way to help provide language resources for Inuit. As an active advocate for the Inuit language, Ms. Aglukkaq is an Elder Professor with Pirurvik and is a board member of Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit, roles which enable her to share her expertise on the Inuit language. She served as chairperson for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, which advises the Government of Nunavut on its policies and serves on the Inuit Societal Values committee, the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Curriculum Committee, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and the Nunavut Elders Justice Committee.
Devon Manik (Qausuittuq) is a young man who is passionate about Inuit hunting practices and is an avid photographer. Mr. Manik has a dog team with a total of 9 dogs, with plans for more. He started his dog team with support from friends and family, as well as by watching online videos of hunters from nearby Qaanaaq. As a young man, learning and practicing Inuit cultural and contemporary Inuit skills, Devon also enjoys sharing his interests, skills and knowledge with others and is pursuing plans to operate his own outfitting business. Following a successful hunt, Devon can be seen walking through town, with a sled in tow, going door to door to share food with members of his community.
President Kotierk adds, “These three individuals are role models to us all. Thank you Jack, Nilaulaq and Devon for your valuable contributions to Nunavut society and for the opportunity to learn from you.”
Each recipient was presented with an award of $500.
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For Further Information Contact:
Qajaaq Ellsworth
Senior Communications Advisor
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Malaya Mikijuk
Assistant Director – Communications Division
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
