NTI launches Inuktut writing prize
“We need to have materials other than annual reports or children’s books or the bible, so that we can easily get into the practice of using written Inuktut as a way to express creative thoughts”
NTI president Aluki Kotierk speaks at a 2020 meeting in Iqaluit. In a letter to federal Justice Minister David Lametti, Kotierk asks the minister to take action on the file of Rev. Johannes Rivoire, a French Roman Catholic priest alleged to have abused Inuit children while working in Nunavut in the 1960s. (File photo)
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. has announced a new Inuktut writing prize, with a top prize of $80,000.
NTI announced the writing prize on July 9, Nunavut Day. The prize is being administered by the Nunavut Tunngavik Foundation, a charity run by NTI.
NTF is calling for submissions, leaving the requirements “very open,” said NTI President Aluki Kotierk. People can submit poetry, short stories, or an outline for a full length book or a novel.
“We need to have materials other than annual reports or children’s books or the bible,” Kotierk said, “so that we can easily get into the practice of using written Inuktut as a way to express creative thoughts.”
Along with the money, the prize comes with support to continue writing for a year, including a writing residency and mentorship to develop a book. Kotierk said the intent of the prize is to have published material in Inuktut, and through the prize, NTF will publish the winners.
Four prizes of $10,000, $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 will also be awarded.
NTF is asking people to submit outlines or short stories between eight to 12 pages. Judges will then decide who will be awarded.
The hope is the prize will be an annual event, but they need to see what uptake is like this year first.
Over time, Kotierk would like to see a collection of literature in Inuktut.
This would help with NTI’s work in advocating to have school lessons in Inuktut, Kotierk said. Furthermore, having academic literature available in Inuktut would be a step towards a university.
“We can dream so big,” Kotierk said. “We don’t want to talk about these things and have people think we’re delusional about it. We know we have to take the small steps to work on the big dreams we have.”
Visit NTI’s website for more information about applying for the prize.
I don’t mind trying this, like a life story and even inuit stories old n new.
Good luck to all potential authors.
What can I write about?
I think by default this only applies in Nunavut. Not all Inuit. Not all Inuit Nunangat. Just to get a clarification response.
very good point raised..recent social media comments highlight delivery of service problems from Inuit ngo’s and prominent regional organizations towards “inuit” living outside of nunavut who are often denied service and supports that are supposedly available to all inuit. this project will either open itself up to all inuit across canada , or either privately or publically become another another vehicle to advance a program which only focuses on inuit residents in the north.