IQALUIT - Two Nunavummiut are officially Officer Cadets in the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year program after participating in an enrolment ceremony in Iqaluit on July 31.

Rita Kunilusie from Pangnirtung stands with Brig.-Gen. David Millar and her father, Ranger Master Cpl. Hezakiah Oshutapik at the enrolment ceremony for the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year program in the Government of Canada building in Iqaluit on July 31. - Lauren McKeon/NNSL photo

Rita Kunilusie from Pangnirtung and Enooyaq Sudlovenick from Iqaluit were both registered in the year-long program, which is offered by the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont.

Brig.-Gen. David Millar, commander of Joint Task Force North, officiated the ceremony in the foyer of the Government of Canada building and said the day was an important occasion for the students.

"Today is a very significant day, a tremendously significant day," Millar said.

He said the women were "two very enthusiastic, brilliant, hardworking, dedicated and devoted young women."

Once they complete the program, the students will be eligible to serve as commissioned officers with the armed forces. They will also be eligible to work towards a university degree from the Royal Military College.

The Canadian Forces website also said students receive a monthly salary while enrolled in the program and the military pays for tuition and books.

Millar said the program will "take a tremendous amount of hard work, but you're used to that."

"There will be times you want to call home, times you want to turn to your friends," he said. "And they will tell you how proud they are."

Sudlovenick cried during her speech and thanked her family, friends and colleagues for their encouragement.

"Thank you to all my friends and family for supporting me," she said. "Thank you (to my) officers for helping me get up here." Millar said the program will enable the women to tackle any future leadership roles they set their minds to.

"These two young leaders will become future leaders," he said. He added that the women "may just become the commander of forces here in the North."

Millar also said the achievement will serve as one of the milestones in each of the women's military careers, as well as in their lives.

"It is a tremendous accomplishment to get to this stage in (your) life," he said.