Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (May 02/01) - Sixteen years after Canada's first Inuit-only educational and vocational preparatory program started, its graduates work for the territory's most influential organizations.
Pauline Pemik graduated from Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) at Ottawa's Algonquin College in 1997. The young mother now works for Human Resources department.
"It was amazing. It was great. I consider myself very lucky," said Pemik.
NS is a remarkable program with a remarkable track record. Employers include the Justice department, NTI, RCMP and Arctic College.
Graduates have landed positions as policy advisers, executive assistants, pilots, web designers, finance officers, reporters and interpreters -- all in Nunavut.
"They drill confidence into you and make you feel proud about being Inuk. The land claim agreement becomes your Bible. You have fun too," she said.
NS was founded in 1985 by the Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut. The program's original purpose was training field workers to keep communities informed about land claims negotiations. Over the years, it evolved into an academic transition year, preparing Inuit youth for college or university or careers in Nunavut arising from the land claims agreement.
Students memorize the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, roll out the red carpet for visiting guests like Nunavut's Commissioner Peter Irniq and of university. Students, most between the ages of 17-20, learn how to set up bank accounts, bungee jump, to bowl, shop.
Many apply, only 20 are chosen each year.
"I've had lots of job interviews where they ask me about the land claim agreement and bang, it's right there in my head," said Elaine Owlijoot of the Education Department in Rankin Inlet.
When not buried in books and assignments, the young Pemik was known to throw the best beer and muktaaq parties. "I can't say enough good things about it. It was hard at times but it helped me understand my own history," Pemik said.
