Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today announced the recipients of the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak (JAK) Scholarship for 2016.  April Ollie of Arviat and Rosemary Akulujuk of Pangnirtung will each receive $5, 000 towards their studies.  Ollie is in her 4th year pursuing her degree in the Nunavut Teachers Education Program (NTEP) and Akulujuk is in her 2nd year pursuing her degree in the NTEP.  Both submitted essays in Inuktitut.

“Congratulations to April and Rosemary on receiving the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship.  I believe we’ve chosen two exceptional students that will make great strides in continuing Jose’s legacy.” said Towtongie.

The jury reviewed 14 applications in total.  Pujjuut Kusugak, the late Jose’s son, participated in the jury this year.  The Kusugak family has played a guiding role in the scholarship since its inception in 2011.

“The Kusugak family would like to wish both students the best in their pursuit as educators. There were some great application and we would like to thank all for putting in their time to apply. We hope to continue to see many apply for the JAK scholarship. Please continue to pursue your dreams and help make Nunavut and its people contributors to their family, community and territory.” said Kusugak.

The next deadline for applications for the Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Scholarship is July 9th, 2017.  Application packages will be available on NTI’s website.  Inuit students who are enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement and pursuing post-secondary studies are eligible for the scholarship.