Pond Inlet educator wins national literacy honour

Elijah Tigullaraq, far right, poses with Qikiqtani School Operations co-workers Iqqalik Kooneeluisie, Tina Alookie and Joyce Carter in this 2013 photo. (PHOTO COURTESY OF NTEP/NAC)

A Pond Inlet educator has earned a national literacy award for his work teaching Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) to Nunavut newcomers.

Elijah Tigullaraq, a bilingual language consultant, is the recipient of the 11th annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award for Nunavut, Premier Peter Taptuna announced Sept. 8.

The award, handed out in each of the country’s provinces and territories each year since 2004, was awarded to Tigullaraq for his work with the territory’s education department over the last 35 years.

“As an outstanding and dedicated educator, Elijah has not only inspired numerous students, but also his co-workers,” Taptuna said in a Sept. 8 release.

“On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation of Elijah’s important contributions to his community, and encourage him to continue his work in strengthening literacy in our territory.”

While working for the Qikiqtani School Operations, Tigullaraq wrote several articles on Inuit culture for his non-Inuit colleagues to help them better understand their new environment.

“Southerners/newcomers have a greater appreciation for the Inuit if they have a better understanding of the culture/language/North/Arctic/community,” Tigullaraq wrote in a perspective piece he shared with other government employees.

“Lack of knowledge can result in lack of respect for another. It’s great to know why people do things, and how, without criticism. These articles will promote understanding and clarify misunderstandings for newcomers.

“Sharing my Inuit culture with others has helped me to better understand who I am, where I came from and where I may be going,” Tigullaraq added. “I now have a greater appreciation for Inuit and for myself.”

Past Council of the Federation Literacy award winners in Nunavut have included Inhabit Media co-founders Neil Christopher and Louise Flaherty, Iqaluit Centennial Library volunteer Catherine Hoyt and Cambridge Bay elder Annie Neglak.