John Amagoalik scholarship recipient calls win motivating

Nunavut Sivuniksavut student Jamie Comeau is the winner of this year’s $10,000 John Amagoalik scholarship.

Qikiqtani Inuit Association announced winner Oct. 16 in a news release.

“With this scholarship, it gives me more motivation to keep going into universities after second year, so much more motivation to come to school and do better,” Comeau said in an interview.

The John Amagoalik scholarship is presented to an Inuk student who is pursuing journalism or studies that promote Inuit language and culture. This year QIA doubled its value from $5,000 to $10,000.

After graduating from Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit, Comeau enrolled in Nunavut Sivuniksavut, an Ottawa-based college program for Inuit.

She graduated her first year of Inuit Studies with honours and an award for her dedication to learning Inuktitut. Now in her second year, Comeau is studying Advanced Inuit Studies.

“I feel a little more at ease when it comes to financial stability. Last year I was struggling,” she said, adding that the scholarship allows her to enjoy the south and focus on her education rather than stress about affording food and housing.

After graduating from Nunavut Sivuniksavut, Comeau plans to attend Carleton University in Ottawa, though she’s unsure of which program. She says she wants to finish her education at Dalhousie University in Halifax.