Jose Kusugak was awarded the Elijah Menarik Award by CBC North late last year.

Photo by: Franco Buscemi

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie today said the Board of Directors and employees of NTI were all deeply grieving the loss of treasured friend, colleague, and mentor, Jose Kusugak. Jose passed away last night in Rankin Inlet after a courageous battle with cancer.

“Our thoughts are with Jose’s family at this very sad, very difficult time,” said Towtongie. “His legacy and dedication to Inuit issues encourage me to work hard for Inuit and Nunavut in my role as a leader.”

Towtongie credited the success of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement to Jose, and said if it were not for his decades of hard work, Inuit would not be able to call the territory of Nunavut their homeland.

Kusugak dedicated his life to working for Inuit in Nunavut. He played a critical role in conceiving the NLCA, spent many years negotiating it, and was in power as NTI president when the territory became official in 1999. He served for many years as the president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and most recently, was serving as president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association. Jose was employed with CBC for many years, and was a strong promoter of Inuktitut. Jose’s love for his family was legendary.