NTEP Student wins the Premier's Council of Federation Literacy Award
Charmaine Okatsiak
We would like to congratulate Charmaine Okatsiak, a 4th year NTEP student for being this year’s recipient of the Nunavut Premier’s Council of Federation Literacy Award.
This award recognizes the importance of literacy in enabling participation as a full and active citizen in all areas of society. Created in 2004, the Award celebrates adult learners who undertake literacy training, as well as the valuable contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy, including family, Indigenous, health, workplace, and community literacy. The Award is presented to learners, educators, volunteers, community organizations, and businesses in each province and territory.
Charmaine Okatsiak, 30, of Rankin Inlet volunteers her time to practice her language and encourage youth to learn and speak Inuktitut. She spent a number of years working at Leo Ussak Elementary School before enrolling at NAC where she is currently completing her year 4 of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program (NTEP).
Charmaine is also a familiar voice on local radio and puts in countless hours to launch the Inuktitut Revitalization Project this past summer — a summer program for youth — including developing the course curriculum and program materials.
Charmaine said she was taken completely by surprise when she was told she had won the award. She said it was a totally unexpected honour and one that fills her with pride.
We had the opportunity to ask Charmaine a few questions:
Can you tell us how do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I am currently a NAC student studying NTEP, on my 4th and final year. My dream is to be involved with the community, either it be teaching or coordinating programs. My career path is mainly directed to wanting to be a part of a positive movement to reclaiming our Inuktitut language and practicing our Inuit identity. The title Inuktitut Revitalization Project may seem intriguing, but don’t let that fool you. It was a learning experience for me coordinating and ensuring it went smoothly. I see this project as a step towards building onto the vision I have for our people.
Who or what has been your inspiration or motivation to create the Inuktitut Revitalization Project?
Being a youth myself, I see the struggles and feel the oppression we face when it comes to speaking Inuktut. I have always wanted to turn that hurt into something more productive and engaging. So this project was a way to build bridges instead of burning them. It was time that us youth implemented ideas that work for us. Reconnecting our elders, youth, and community members in ways that involve intimate connections through land-based workshops and coming together in the community learning some Inuktitut vocabulary in a timely manner.
What message or recommendation would you give to younger Nunavummiut about learning and speaking Inuktitut?
With the language barrier, it can be daunting to approach elders to seek knowledge and this project was a way for the participants to create new relationships. When you expose yourself to a variety of opportunities, certain events start to become the norm. What I mean by that is, when you create spaces like wanting to speak Inuktitut more, or wanting to interact with others, it won’t matter if your speaking skills are perfect. You will start to heal and realize that it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to laugh. It’s okay to show weakness. What matters is that you are trying. And believe me, it is appreciated. Your children will thank you for learning, your grandchildren will thank you.
You have no idea who you’re inspiring. Do what works for you. Inuktituuqtaliqta. Inuugapta.