University of Alberta to honour KIA president

The University of Alberta announced April 13 that Charlie Evalik, the president of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and 11 other “inspiring individuals” will receive honorary degrees this June.

“Each of these honorary degree recipients inspires us with their dedication to excellence in learning, discovery and citizenship, here at home and across the globe,” said Chancellor Linda Hughes.

Evalik will receive his honorary doctor of laws degree June 15. At the same time, Evalik will speak to graduates at the convocation ceremonies at the university’s Augustana Campus in Edmonton.

“Charlie Kakotok Evalik champions a transformative vision for Canada’s North,” reads the April 13 news release. “A central contributor to the settlement of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the creation of the new territory of Nunavut, he is President of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and Chair and CEO of the Nunavut Resources Corporation. He is a strong advocate for leadership roles for Inuit as decision-makers in development that respects both the land and its people.”

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Cathy Towtongie congratulated Evalik for the honorary degree that he will receive this June.

“I am so happy for Charlie. All his years of dedication, commitment and vision for Inuit is acknowledged with this tremendous achievement,” Towtongie said in an April 14 statement. “I applaud Charlie personally and professionally.”