CLEY announced literary prize awards

A resident of Arctic Bay and a resident of Arviat are the first recipients of the Nunavut Literary Prize sponsored by Nunavut’s department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.

Morty Alooloo of Arctic Bay received the first prize of $6,000. Alooloo wrote about the changing Inuit way of life and how the traditional words of advice from elders can be used to strengthen the culture.

Paul Issakiark of Arviat received the $4,000 second prize for his story about a father passing along the knowledge of a hunter and going out on the land with his son.

Leo Tulugajuk, Miriam Aglukkaq and Helen Power received honourable mentions for their entries.

Nunavut’s department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth launched the annual literary prize to increase Inuktitut literature available for adult readers.

Authors of any age were invited to participate. Literature eligible for consideration included: fiction and non-fiction, autobiographical, biographical, collected letters, poetry, academic, how-to and self help books, testimonials and journals, guidebooks and film scripts. Over 180 entries were received.

The department is working with the Nunavut Literacy Council to publish the two winning entries in an illustrated book, expected in the fall of 2004.