IKPIARJUK/ARCTIC BAY
Students from the communities of Grise Fiord, Arctic Bay, Resolute and Qikiqtarjuaq have a new and golden opportunity to get a post-secondary education. w

The Arctic Fishery Alliance has established a scholarship fund in partnership with Carleton University and its Aboriginal Enriched Support Program (AESP). The program is designed to help students transition into undergraduate studies.

One student from among the communities will be selected by a panel this year and in each consecutive year, with the fund supporting up to four students simultaneously.

The opportunity was announced during the Arctic Fishery Alliance annual general meeting in Arctic Bay on Feb. 20.

"In the North, we have always heard that we should extend education," said AFA chairman Jaypetee Akeeagok of Grise Fiord. "One of our priorities was that in order to meet the needs of our people it would be ideal to get one of our people to attend Carlton University."

The Arctic Fishery Alliance was established in 2008 and is a primary harvester of shrimp and turbot. Akeeagok said the company is beginning to see significant profit.

"We are extending our benefits to our community, so that our people will benefit from the fishing industry we have created," he said.

Tuition, travel and living expenses will be covered, to an expected cost of $38,887 to $41,907, he said.

"What we have heard in the past is: how can we further educate our young people who have just graduated Grade 12. A lot of times in the four communities it is quite challenging to try and find funding. This will allow at least one person per year for the upcoming years to ease that challenge."

"We have been saying that we wish to be more independent within our communities and that it would be good to further educate after Grade 12," said Qikitarjuaq Mayor Mary Killiktee, as translated by Akeeagok.

She said it is a dream for the communities to have students studying to be doctors, lawyers and nurses.

"We will give our people the opportunity to apply for such programs. That has been our goal within our communities as self-governing."

She said partnership with the AESP program in particular is what makes the opportunity most beneficial.

"We have heard that the education system up in the North has a lower standard comparable to the southern education system."

The transition program provides students with one-on-one tutoring, networking support through instructors and peer mentors, as well as training in time management, writing and the academic skills necessary for success at university. The program includes an Aboriginal Studies first year seminar, two additional university-credit courses and two support workshops that lead up to full-time studies. Students are also connected to aboriginal resources in the nation's capital.

The program accepts around 30 students each year. This year, there were six Inuit students in the strain.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity. I haven't seen this before from any communities, be it First Nations, Inuit or Metis, where communities are coming together to make this opportunity available," said Rodney Nelson, AESP co-ordinator.

"AFA is not expecting that these people will go into fisheries or support, what they are doing is building capacity in their communities. Students can study what they are interested in. It gives a strong message to the youth."

Should students complete the program, they will continue to receive funding from AFA to finish their undergraduate degree.

The scholarship selection panel will be made up of members from the university, as well as the hamlets.

The organization will put out a call for applicants in the spring of this year.

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