Nikki Komaksiutiksak from Chesterfield Inlet was announced as PauktuutitSA国际影视传媒檚 Inuk Woman of the Year on Thursday while Malaya Bishop, originally from Iqaluit, was chosen as the organizationSA国际影视传媒檚 Young Inuk Woman of the Year.
Komaksiutiksak is the executive director of Tunngasugit, Western CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 first Inuit Resource Centre in Winnipeg. SheSA国际影视传媒檚 SA国际影视传媒渁n active member of the Inuit community there and uses her understanding of the south to assist other Inuit moving to the big city,SA国际影视传媒� according to Pauktuutit.
SA国际影视传媒淣ikki demonstrates a passion for her cultural identity. She is an experienced throat singer, teaches Inuit history and culture and is a heartfelt musical performer,SA国际影视传媒� Pauktuutit stated. SA国际影视传媒淣ikki has participated in several international events, including representing Manitoba and Inuit at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Summer Games and more currently, the 2015 Indigenous Music Awards in Winnipeg.
Bishop is an underwater research technician for Parks CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 Underwater Archaeology Team, focusing on the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site near Gjoa Haven.
SA国际影视传媒淪he researches Inuit observations and historical data and works with SA国际影视传媒� and advocates for SA国际影视传媒� locals to ensure their voices are included in decisions that impact their communities,SA国际影视传媒� Pauktuutit stated.
SA国际影视传媒淢alayaSA国际影视传媒檚 educational background encompasses an array of subjects that spark her interests in creativity, being active, problem solving, community engagement, and observing human behaviour. She completed college training in media production before earning her bachelor of arts in psychology with a certificate of community engagement and service-learning. Malaya then went on to complete a master of arts in Northern studies and her commercial scuba diving certification.
SA国际影视传媒淣ow, she advocates for diving to be recognized and acknowledged as a valid and legitimate career in Nunavut waters. She enjoys connecting with Inuit community members and schools to present on underwater archaeology and commercial diving careers. She has a passion for listening to stories and searching underwater for potential archaeological sites,SA国际影视传媒� according to Pauktuutit, a national non-profit organization representing all Inuit women in Canada.
SA国际影视传媒淭hese awards recognize the important contributions recipients are making within their communities and the inspiration they provide to other Inuit women,SA国际影视传媒� said Gerri Sharpe, PauktuutitSA国际影视传媒檚 president. SA国际影视传媒淎s an organization, we believe in strengthening the leadership capacity of Inuit women, particularly those who are bridging the gap for women across Inuit Nunangat and Inuit Nunangiit (urban).SA国际影视传媒�
