During the first day of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s (NTI) annual general meeting, which is taking place this year in Rankin Inlet, NTI President Aluki Kotierk recognized three Inuit for their achievements and contributions to the territory.
Lucy Nester of Coral Harbour, Makabe Nartok from Kugaaruk and Clyde River’s Joseph Ikoo Angutikjuak were all praised by Kotierk and their respective communities.
Nester has and remains actively involved in keeping Inuit culture alive in her community, says Kotierk, by teaching younger Inuit to prepare skins, sew kamiiks and other traditional clothing.
“Lucy also counsels youth and other community members through stresses and hardships,” she said, noting through the Anglican church, Nester held weekly two-hour radio shows in Arviat while the community has hit by Covid-19 in late 2020.
Kugaaruk’s Nartok has also been recognized for his cultural contributions to his community, particularly in Arctic sports.
“Makabe has been participating and competing in Arctic sports since the 1970s and continues to be involved as a teacher and mentor for Inuit youth to this day,” said Kotierk.
Nartok holds the world record for the Airplane, reaching over 168 feet at the 1986 Whitehorse Arctic Winter Games.
Clyde River’s Angutikjuak is the oldest member of his community and regularly shares his Inuit knowledge and hunting stories over the local radio.
“He does so to ensure Inuit values and skills are passed down to the next generation of Inuit, and to ensure Kangiqtugaapingmiut know about unsafe hunting conditions on the land,” said Aluki. “Joseph has shared his knowledge with the Government of Nunavut over the years to develop an education curriculum for Nunavut schools that is founded on Inuit language, culture, tradition, and worldview.”
Each recipient is presented with an award and $500 each, for making significant contributions in promoting the economic, social and cultural well-being of their fellow Inuit.