This year marked the introduction of the Qikiqtani Inuit AssociationSA国际影视传媒檚 (QIA) annual Joe Attagutaluk Inuktitut Language Award, and 12 graduating high school students from across the region were recipients.

The award, named for the QIASA国际影视传媒檚 former secretary-treasurer, is intended to celebrate students who have demonstrated dedication to the preservation of the Inuktitut language.

In addition to a personalized plaque, recipients of the award also received a $2,000 cheque.

SA国际影视传媒淚t means I know my language well, and I will never lose it, and ISA国际影视传媒檒l teach it to younger generations if I canSA国际影视传媒� said SanikiluaqSA国际影视传媒檚 Ayla Marie Kavik-Mickiyuk, one of the inaugural recipients of the award.

Kavik-Mickiyuk, who plans to become a SA国际影视传媒済reat hunterSA国际影视传媒� now that she has finished high school, said itSA国际影视传媒檚 a priority for her to protect Inuktitut because many of the Elders who attended residential schools lost their ability to speak the language.

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SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 like losing life, so itSA国际影视传媒檚 that important to me.SA国际影视传媒�

These are the other 2023 Joe Attagutaluk Inuktitut Language Award winners:

-Gamie Oqallak in Arctic Bay

-Jade Paniloo in Clyde River

-James Quanaq in Grise Fiord

-Charlotte Angugatsiaq in Iglulik

-Caroline Iqaluk in Iqaluit

-Kristen Temela in Kimmirut

-John Hayward in Kinngait

-Nolan Kugluguqtuq in Pangnirtung

-Susie Simonee in Pond Inlet

-Aasta Idlout in Resolute Bay

-Gloria Nangmalik in Sanirajak

A to-be-determined 13th student from Qikiqtarjuaq will also receive the award in the new school year.

SA国际影视传媒淨IA dedicated the award to the memory of Joe Attagutaluk and is in recognition of his tireless efforts to preserve Inuktitut,SA国际影视传媒� said QIA manager of communications Will Hopkins. SA国际影视传媒淭he award seeks to recognize exceptional students, particularly those who are similarly dedicated to the Inuit language.

SA国际影视传媒淨IA would like to again offer itSA国际影视传媒檚 congratulations to the first annual Joe Attagutaluk award recipients and looks forward to carrying on this tradition for years to come.SA国际影视传媒�