NR 07-22 REC ENG Nunavut Day Grants Recipients.doc
(November 7, 2007 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak and Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik today announced the names of the successful recipients of the annual grant programs launched on Nunavut Day. Entitled Kakiniit, Nunavut Day Cultural and Academic Grants, one scholarship awards funds to students seeking to improve their cultural skills, while the other awards funds to students enrolled in academic training at a post-secondary institution. Both scholarship programs were open to Beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA).
After review by a joint NTI-GN panel of judges, eight students will receive funds to continue their studies in cultural and academic programs. Their names are Robert Tookoome, Elisapee Karetak, Meeka Kilabuk, Janice Mathewsie, Samantha Brown, Josie Arlooktoo, Rachel Ootoova and Jeannie Smith.
As part of the application process, students were asked to write a short essay about a person who contributed to the negotiations of the NLCA.
I was very pleased with the excellent essays the applicants handed in. The submissions clearly show that Inuit students fully understand the major contributions their predecessors made to the negotiations of our land claim. It is important that Inuit know the history of the NLCA and Nunavut when they graduate and join the workforce, said President Kaludjak.
I know first hand, the obstacles students face in achieving their goals, said Premier Okalik. As opportunities in Nunavut increase, we have to provide more tools to our youth to seize them. I am very proud to be supporting those who are contributing to our economic and cultural foundations.
The Inuktitut word kakiniit was chosen because it represents a mark or tattoo a person gets on their body as a symbol of something important in their life. Because receiving a grant to pursue cultural or academic education is a significant event in a person’s life, the word Kakiniit is appropriate.
Kakiniit grants are co-funded by NTI and the GN. Application forms for next year’s Kakiniit grants will be available April 1, 2008.
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