NTI offers Kusugak memorial student scholarships for second year

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. established the scholarship last spring to honour the late Inuit leader Jose Kusugak, who passed away in January, 2011. (PHOTO COURTESY OF NTI)

Nunavut Inuit students can apply for this year’s Jose Amaujaq Kusugak scholarship starting on April 1.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. established the scholarship last spring to honour the late Inuit leader and activist, who died in January, 2011.

The scholarship will award two beneficiaries with $5,000 each to pursue studies at accredited post-secondary institution.

“NTI remains dedicated to ensuring the work Jose did throughout his life to promote Inuit culture, language, and rights continues to be relevant to all Inuit, including students pursuing post-secondary studies,” said NTI President Cathy Towtongie in a March 26 release.

Applicants must write an original, 500-word essay describing how they will use their education to promote Inuit rights, identity, language and culture.

An NTI jury will review the applications and select the students based on their fields of study, written essay, and references.

Applicants should be enrolled in education or Inuit language studies at the time they apply, although exceptions can made if the student illustrates how their studies will contribute to advancing Inuit rights.

Application forms are available in Nunavut’s schools and hamlet offices, at Nunavut Arctic College campuses or online here.

Applications are due July 9, 2012 — Nunavut Day.