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NUNAVUT
Two students got a helping hand paying for their education costs after being named as the inaugural recipients of NTI's Jose Amanjaq Kusugak Memorial Scholarship.

Emily Joanasie, a student in the teacher education program at the Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit, was one of two recipients of a $5,000 scholarship awarded by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. on July 27. - Terrence McEachern/NNSL photo

"I'm still in shock, a little nerve-wracking, but I'm honoured, that's for sure," said Emily Joanasie, one of the two recipients of a $5,000 scholarship awarded by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. on July 27.

Joanasie, 27, is entering the last year of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program at Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit. Previously she completed a bachelor of arts degree in Indigenous Studies in 2008 at Trent University in Ontario.

"Education has always been something I've wanted to do. It's been a huge part of of my family's life," said Joanasie, who added that after she graduates, she's definitely planning on remaining in the territory to work as a teacher.

A married mother of three children, she is currently working as a summer student with NTI in the social and cultural development division.

Also receiving a $5,000 scholarship is Monica Kiguktak, another teacher education student at Nunavut Arctic College. Kiguktak is originally from Grise Fiord and studies in Cambridge Bay.

Cathy Towtongie, president of NTI, said Joanasie and Kiguktak, as education students, were ideal candidates for the award, said Towtongie.

"They had demonstrated how they planned to continue the work Jose began," said Towtongie. "But (the selection) was a very difficult process because all of the applicants were excellent."

Jose Kusugak, a long-time advocate of Inuit language and culture in Nunavut, died on Jan. 19 at the age of 60 after a bout with cancer. He was a former president of NTI and was involved with the Kivalliq Inuit Association and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

"When Jose died, NTI's board and staff wanted to honour his memory," said Towtongie.

After receiving permission from Kusugak's family, a jury comprised of NTI staff members as well as Kusugak's son Pujjuut began evaluating applications for the scholarship. In total, 21 applications were received.

To be eligible, applicants had to submit an essay describing the importance of Kusugak's life and work in the territory. Applicants must also be beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, said Towtongie. The award is open to students attending post-secondary institutions either in the territory or elsewhere in Canada, regardless of their degree program.

NTI is already announcing that July 9, 2012, will be the deadline to submit applications for next year's scholarships.

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