2004 Inuit Language Award Winners Announced

IQALUIT, Nunavut (February 25, 2004) The Departments of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and Education have recognized three individuals and one group as recipients of the 2004 Inuit Language Awards. These awards acknowledge Nunavummiut who promote and protect Inuit languages. This year, recipients were chosen in the following categories: youth, elder and project.

Atuat Akittirq of Igloolik and Cecilia Angotialuk of Repulse Bay each received the Elder Language Award. Akittirq has taught Inuktitut at the elementary and high school levels, and has worked with students at the Nunavut Arctic College. She also offers advice and support about the proper use of Inuktitut on the local community radio. Angotialuk works closely with the community’s youth, teaching them ayaya songs, drum dance, traditional Inuit values, and encouraging them to use Inuktitut everyday. She counsels youth during times of crisis and teaches about traditional tools as well.

Aaron Arnatsiaq was given the Youth Language Award for his work with students at Ataguttaluk High School in Igloolik. He encourages students to speak Inuktitut and his relationship with the community’s elders makes him a positive role model for Igloolik’s youth. .

The Inullariit Society of Igloolik received the Project Language Award for their efforts to protect the Inuit language, including a yearly Inuktitut celebration. The Society has been promoting Inuktitut for 11 years, and also works with school drop-outs to teach them Inuit customs on the land. There are many people in Nunavut who contribute to the richness of the Inuit language and the Inuit Language Awards program seeks to recognize these people.

The Inuit Language Awards are presented every year during Inuktitut Uqauttin. Nomination forms are available on-line at www.gov.nu.ca/cley or by e-mail at cley@gov.nu.ca.

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