Nunavut language, culture supporters honoured by Inuit org

Three supporters of Inuit language and culture were honoured last week with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s president’s awards.

Elijah Erkloo, Millie Kuliktana and Charlie Evalik were all honoured with cash prizes and commemorative plaques Oct. 23 during NTI’s annual general meeting.

Kuliktana, a life-long teacher and one-time hamlet councillor in Kugluktuk, is the subject of the documentary “Millie’s Dream: Revitalization of Inuinnaqtun” which explores why Inuit languages are waning and what can be done about it.

Elijah Erkloo of Pond Inlet is chair of the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit — the Government of Nunavut’s Inuit Language Authority.

Erkloo believes in standardizing Inuktitut terminology and said so during an Iqaluit language symposium in 2011. But such standardization would take a long time, he said, as committees consult with elders and others to determine what words to use.

Charlie Evalik, soon-to-retire president of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and long-time leader in Cambridge Bay, received an honourary doctorate of laws from the University of Alberta in 2011. He plans to remain involved in Inuit economic development and training as chair of Nunavut Resources Corporation.

Each recipient received plaque and $500.