NTI creates scholarship honouring Jose Kusugak

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. has established a scholarship to honour the late Jose Kusugak, NTI vice-president James Eetoolook announced March 4.

Kusugak, a respected Inuit leader, died of cancer this past January.

“Jose dedicated his life to Nunavut and the advancement of Inuit rights. His passion and dedication to education and the promotion and preservation of Inuit language enabled Inuit to make many strides. By announcing this scholarship program, NTI is ensuring Jose’s ability to inspire Inuit continues through post-secondary education,” Eetoolook said in a March 4 release..

The Jose Amaujaq Kusugak Memorial Scholarship will award $5,000 each to two Inuit beneficiaries of the Nunavut land claims agreeement to help pay for studies in education or Inuit language at accredited post-secondary institutions.

Applicants may attend Nunavut Arctic College or academic institutions in southern Canada. An NTI jury will review the applications and select the students based on their fields of study, a written essay, and references.

NTI will accept applications between April 1 and July 9, Nunavut Day.

Application forms will be available from NTI and on the website on April 1, NTI said.