Rankin Inlet (July 02/03) - Kathleen Merritt is not fluent in Inuktitut, but she would like to be. The Grade 8 student from Rankin Inlet believes the language is important.

Kathleen Merritt is one of two students from the Kivalliq recognized for their work in an Inuktitut language poster contest. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

That belief earned her recognition from the Nunavut government and Merritt won one of four awards for her work in an Inuktitut language poster contest.

The contest's intent was to encourage school children to find a message that captured how youth feel towards traditional Inuit languages.

"It was something we had to do for Inuktitut class. It was an assignment," Merritt said of why she entered the contest.

Merritt's poster was titled 'When you speak to your children in Inuktitut, it keeps our language alive.'

"It's not being used as much because there are so many modern things," she said.

Even in her own household Merritt said English is the predominate language.

"Sometimes my mom will speak to us in Inuktitut," she said.

"If I have children I am going to teach them right from when they are little so they can speak both languages fluently."

But first, she will have to meet her own goal and become fluent in Inuktitut.

The other Kivalliq region winner was Kyle McLean.

The Grade 6 student from Baker Lake, son of MLA Glenn McLean, was on vacation and unavailable for comment.

The winning posters received a certificate from Peter Kilabuk, minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.

The drawings are being reproduced into full-sized glossy posters that will be distributed throughout Nunavut during Literacy Week in October.

"I was surprised when I won. I usually don't win things like this," said Merritt.