February 13, 2020 – Kuujjuaq, Nunavik – Makivvik sends congratulations to Alicia Aragutak as the 2020 Indspire Inuit Youth Award Recipient. She will be honoured at the 2020 Indspire Awards ceremony on March 6th at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
“We are all proud of Alicia for receiving this award,” said Makivvik President Charlie Watt. “She leads by example. We know from her experience as President of Qarjuit, and now at Isuarsivik, she is inspiring youth across Nunavik, and beyond. So, congratulations Alicia on this important award.”
Aragutak is currently the Executive Director of the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre, in Kuujjuaq, where she helps facilitate a culturally sensitive treatment and healing process addressing the role intergenerational trauma plays in addiction. The 26-year old recipient is originally from Umiujaq, but has travelled the world, including Peru, New Zealand, and South Africa.
During her tenure as the founder and first President of the Qarjuit Youth Council, Alicia held Inuit youth consultations for all fourteen Nunavik communities, creating pioneering programs to bring youth and elders together. She served as a Youth Ambassador for the Qanuilirpitaa? survey initiative which examined the health of the Nunavik population, and also engaged in a regional Arctic Policy Framework roundtable, helping to build a long-term vision for the Canadian and circumpolar Arctic.
The Indspire Awards represents the highest honour in the Indigenous community. After 26 years, the Indspire Awards have honoured 362 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement. The show is a nationally broadcast celebration of culture showcasing the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada including performances by Canada’s biggest names in Indigenous entertainment.
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Contact:
Carson Tagoona
Communications Director
Makivvik
Tel. (514) 745-8880
ctagoona@makivik.org
www.makivik.org
Makivvik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.