RANKIN INLET - Inuit across Nunavut and beyond continue to mourn the loss of one of their greatest advocates this week.

Jose Kusugak died during the early morning of Jan. 19, after a courageous and public battle with cancer.

Jose Kusugak, who served as president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Kivalliq Inuit Association and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, died last night. - NNSL file photo

He was 60 years old.

Kusugak held a number of the top political positions during his career with the Kivalliq Inuit Association, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and was instrumental in the land claims negotiations and the creation of Nunavut.

He was one of the most recognized Inuit faces in Canada, and a highly sought keynote speaker.

To list Kusugak's titles, accomplishments and awards would fill this page alone.

He leaves behind his wife, Nellie, children, Alana, Alicia, Special and Pujjuut, 13 grandchildren, seven brothers and three sisters.

A dedicated family man, Kusugak had a passion for politics, music and sports to go along with his legendary sense of humour.

Nunavut Health Minister Tagak Curley was the first president of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada in 1973 when he recruited Kusugak as his executive assistant.

He said he's amazed that over the next 38 years, Kusugak never abandoned the cause or went to greener pastures for personal gain.

"Jose always stood with us and we should be very grateful for him," said Curley.

"His great sense of humour was always evident, and he kept that until the end. Jose was also a philosopher who could word things in ways others would never think of, and he'd come up with a statement that would have everyone laughing."

Curley said Inuit language was very dear to Kusugak's heart.

He said Kusugak was working hard on preserving the Inuit language in the '70s when he asked him to also specialize on the land claims project.

"Jose travelled to many communities and even went to Alaska on my behalf. He had a broad exposure to issues that not many others did."

Curley said there were times he and Kusugak would get very tired. He said they'd often spend time in Ottawa encouraging each other.

"We'd go for coffee and spend a lot of time just chatting, and Jose could really comfort you. If you had yourself on thin ice, Jose was there to help get you to a safer area. He had that ability, and I would try to do the same for him when he needed it."

Curley spent some time with Kusugak at his home shortly before his death.

He said just before Jose went to bed, he pulled him aside and the words he spoke will always be with him.

"Jose had the heart to say, 'Tagak, I know many people disagree with you. I just want to let you know I will always continue to stand behind you.'"

"That meant a lot to me."

Nunavut Arctic College's Mike Shouldice of Rankin Inlet has known Kusugak since 1975, and said he had a unique way of looking at life.

"In terms of his intellectual analytical skill, Jose was one of the smartest people I've ever met," said Shouldice.

"He had razor-sharp wit and was a true change agent. In leadership, there's people who mind the stores and others who think of new stores, and Jose was about new ones."

He said Kusugak was a true believer in everything he tried to do for Inuit.

"Jose was a realist on every aspect of the creation of the land claim and Nunavut. He was analytical about the shortfalls and people's abilities and inabilities. Even in wildlife management, he had some real heart-to-heart talks with people about what system was going to work best in the new North.

"Whether it was Inuit tradition or the methods of somewhere else, Jose was a realist about it all."

Shouldice said while Kusugak was a straight-shooter, he was also compassionate and there was never a sense of meanness about him.

He said Kusugak was about getting things done.

"He often quoted Yoda from Star Wars in that you try not. 'Do or do not. There is no try.'"

Shouldice said Kusugak was a gifted speaker who used humour to tear down many barriers.

"Jose was speaking to a mixed university crowd in the U.S.A., and said qallunaat again and again while talking about non-Inuit in the North. Someone raised their hand to ask how you spell that and Jose said, "H-O-N-K-E-Y."

"The whole place erupted in laughter; like he gave them permission to speak openly about difficult issues. You couldn't be dysfunctional and ignore the elephant in the room around Jose, because he just wouldn't allow that."

A book of condolences will be available for people to write in on the main floor of the Legislative Assembly in Iqaluit from Jan. 20 until Feb. 28, when it will be presented to the Kusugak family.

Tributes roll in for Kusugak

Eva Aariak: Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak said she met Kusugak 30 years ago as a residential school student in Churchill, Man., as he was her first Inuktitut teacher.

"He always connected with his class through jokes, puzzles or some other cultural activity entirely unrelated to the lesson at hand," she stated in a press release.

"On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, my thoughts are with his wife, Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut, Nellie Kusugak, his brother, Minister Lorne Kusugak, the Inuit Cultural Institute staff and the entire Kusugak family."

Leona Aglukkaq: Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq stated in a press release she extends her condolences to Kusugak's family.

"It gives me great sadness to learn that Jose Kusugak passed away ... after a brave battle with cancer. This is a great loss not only for his family and friends but for all of Nunavut."

John Duncan: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Minister John Duncan extended condolences to the family, friends and former colleagues of Jose Kusugak on behalf of the Government of Canada.

"Mr. Kusugak was proud of the Inuit way of life and will be remembered for his role as a much admired ambassador for his passionate promotion of Inuit culture."

Okalik Eegeesiak: Qikiqtani Inuit Association president Okalik Eegeesiak stated Kusugak stood out with his sense of humour and his heartfelt and passionate way of speaking.

"Jose Kusugak had a strong love and vision for Nunavut, which will guide Inuit politics for a long time through those of us who were fortunate enough to have worked with him."

Joey Evalik: As Kitikmeot Inuit Association president Joey Evalik worked alongside Kusugak in various capacities and said a strong friendship developed.

"I have no doubt that the work that Jose Amaujaq Kusugak started in Nunavut and has continued over his lifetime will live on through his many friends and colleagues," he stated in a press release.

"Nunavut is certainly better having an individual like Jose to help form and guide it along."

Mary Simon: National Inuit Leader Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, stated in a press release Kusugak's legacy will continue long into ITK's future, in its logo, name, values and objectives.

She added it was under Kusugak's direction ITK changed its name from Inuit Tapirisat of Canada to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, which means "Inuit are united in Canada."

"From now on, when I look at our logo, Inuit representing our four regions, hands joined embracing the maple leaf, I will remember Jose Kusugak."

Cathy Towtongie: Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie stated in a press release she credits the success of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement to Kusugak, adding he played a "critical role" in conceiving the agreement, not to mention spent many years negotiating it. Kusugak served as president of NTI when Nunavut became a territory.

"Our thoughts are with Jose's family at this very sad, very difficult time," she stated. "His legacy and dedication to Inuit issues encourage me to work hard for Inuit and Nunavut in my role as a leader."

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