GN announces scholarship in memory of MLA

A scholarship has been created to honour one of Nunavut’s first MLAs who died earlier this year, the Department of Family Services announced Wednesday.

The Rebekah Uqi Williams Scholarship will be presented to Nunavummiut pursuing careers in social work, counselling or psychology.

Five scholarships worth up to $10,000 each are available to help cover education costs.

Williams died on April 15 at the age of 73.

From 2000 until 2004 she was the MLA for Quttiktuq, a riding that includes Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay and her home community of Arctic Bay.

More recently, she served as acting commissioner of Nunavut from June 2020 to January 2021, followed by deputy commissioner until December 2022.

Before politics, Williams worked as a nurse, social worker and public servant.

Family Services Minister Margaret Nakashuk described the scholarship as “a testament to the legacy of a remarkable woman,” in the legislative assembly Wednesday.

“Throughout her diverse roles, Ms. Williams was a guiding force, a beacon of integrity, a sharer of cultural knowledge and values,” Nakashuk said.

“These scholarships will alleviate the financial burdens of education, enabling our future social workers to focus on their studies and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of Nunavut.”

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Nov. 17. Applicants are asked to contact rebekahuqiwilliamsscholarship@gov.nu.ca for more information.

Justice Minister David Akeeagok, the MLA for Williams’ former riding, announced in the legislature that more events are planned this year to honour her legacy.

“Rebekah believed in an accessible justice system that was responsive to the needs of Inuit and reflective of the values of our territory,” he said.

“The Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility, which has been specifically designed for elders’ programming and elder client counselling, will be blessed, and a plaque will be erected, dedicating the space in Rebekah’s honor.”