Ella Estey, a graduate of Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit, will attend the University of Ottawa for interdisciplinary studies in the fall. (Photo courtesy of Ella Estey)
Iqaluit graduate one of 20 selected nationwide for Indigenous scholarship
Ella Estey hopes to use her studies to pursue a career in law or politics
An Iqaluit high school graduate who addressed a parliamentary committee last year on the importance of young people learning Inuktitut is one of 20 recipients from across Canada of the $10,000 RBC Future Launch Indigenous Youth Scholarship.
Ella Estey recently graduated from Grade 12 at Inuksuk High School and will attend the University of Ottawa in the fall.
Scholarship winners receive $10,000 per year for up to four years to help pay for their studies. Recipients are chosen based on their academic performance and community involvement.
Estey is enrolled in the university’s bachelor of interdisciplinary studies program and hopes to pursue a career in either law or politics.
“I’ve known ever since I was little that I want to have a career that helps people and community, and I feel like those two paths are a way that I could do that,” she said in an interview.
“Whether it be a lawyer and working with people one on one to try and help them in whatever situation they’re in, or as in politics where I can be a representative for my community.”
Estey, who has family in Canada’s capital and visits regularly, says she is excited to be attending the University of Ottawa. It feels like a comfortable place for her to go to school.
During high school, she was involved in the school choir and performed at school events, including ones that called for action on violence against women.
Estey also served as a student representative on a panel discussion at her school earlier this year looking at the state of the use of Inuktitut.
In April 2023, she was asked by Nunavut MP Lori Idlout to appear before the Standing Committee for Indigenous and Northern Affairs on Parliament Hill as it studied how to improve graduation rates among Indigenous students.
Estey advocated for the importance of learning Inuktitut and offering more Inuit cultural classes to improve high school graduation rates in Nunavut.
Admitting she felt nervous appearing in front of the committee, Estey said she looks up to Idlout and one day would like to continue to advocate on behalf of her community.
Please , not another politician .
Why don’t you want her to become a politician? Must have nothing better to do than trying to dictate other people’s life choices
Why not a politician. Nunavut will need strong, educated leaders from the next generation to continue the growth of the territory. I wish you all the best in your studies and future career. Never let people tell you “it can’t be done” You will find that if you believe in yourself you can achieve anything.
best of luck to you in your choice of career.
Congratulations,
I’m proud of fellow Inuit willing to help us Inuit to better understand the ‘way of life’. Politician or lawyer is good.
luisa
Super duper proud of you, Ella. Your mama must be too! <3
Congratulations! You will do well in any of your endeavors.
You have come such a long way Ella! And you will soar to heights beyond expectations. You’ve always worked hard, cared for your peers and family, dealt with hardships as a child and overcame them all at your young age. I’ve watched you grow and amazed at your accomplishments. Ignore the critics and the naysayers, keep your chin up and follow your heart to your path of life.
I’m so proud as your Auntie and can’t wait to see you graduate from University as I know you will!!!