Click on the photos to download the high res copies. Photo by Franco Buscemi, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
(November 22, 2010 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. interim President, Jose Kusugak was awarded the Elijah Menarik Award from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
From 1980 to 1990 Kusugak served for ten years as the area manager for the Kivalliq (Keewatin) region with the CBC. He went on to become an Inuit leader as President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and currently with the Kivalliq Inuit Association.
“Jose is a respected leader; has been a trailblazer for Inuit and our language. After severing with CBC he went to the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation and introduced several new areas of programing in Inuktitut. He sets an example of the commitment we need to see for the Inuit language.” said Okalik Eegeesiak, President of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
The Elijah Menarik Award is named after Menarik who was the first Inuktitut radio host. Menarik believed that Inuit could preserve and enhance the Inuit societal values and language. Menarik advocated having Inuktitut and Cree languages broadcasts.
“Jose has always been passionate about language. I remember when he was with Inuit Tapirisat of Canada leading the movement to standardize a writing system for Inuktitut. His education and his strong Inuktitut were instrumental in the Nunavut land claims process too. While with ITC he was able to engage with the government in English and introduce the concept of land claims to our communities in Inuktitut.” said Charlie Evalik, President of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association. “Today, his contributions to our communities by engaging with governments while communicating with our communities in our language remains vital, he is well deserving of CBC’s Menarik award.” Evalik concluded.
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For further information:
Franco Buscemi
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4939 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
fbuscemi @ tunngavik.com
