2010 Year of the Inuit is an educational campaign spearheaded by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national organization representing Canadian Inuit. Its goal is to increase awareness among the general Canadian population about issues facing the Inuit of Canada and celebrate Inuit accomplishments and achievements.
This project includes a number of educational events and projects such as;
- Inuit Qaujisarvingat: The Inuit Knowledge Centre
- A Taste of the Arctic: An Evening Celebrating Inuit Culture
- Students on Ice Arctic scholarships
Inuit Qaujisarvingat: The Inuit Knowledge Centre:
The Inuit Qaujisarvingat is a centre that is intended to bridge the gap between Inuit knowledge and Western science and build capacity among Inuit to respond to worldwide growing interest in Arctic issues. In early January national Inuit leader Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, formally announced the creation of the centre in Ottawa. Associated to the event Mary Simon was quoted by CBC News saying "We could actually do the research that is related to the North and the Inuit from the centre so that's it's more related to what we feel are the priority areas". Further involvement of indigenous people as researchers is clearly something to rejoice over and watching the future growth of the Inuit Knowledge Centre will be very interesting.
A Taste of the Arctic: An Evening Celebrating Inuit Culture
"A Taste of the Arctic" was the kickoff event for the 2010 Year of the Inuit. Presented by ITK at the National Gallery of Canada, it was a fundraising dinner for the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation. It featured a presentation by Susan Aglukark and performances by Takralik Partridge and the Ottawa Inuit Children's Centre. The inaugural ITK Award for Excellence in Arctic Journalism was presented to CBC Television's Peter Mansbridge." The event was attended by approximately 250 people including a number of high-level officials.
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami & Students on Ice scholarship:
The students on Ice program is intended to provide youth from across Canada and the world the opportunity to participate in ship-based educational adventures in the two polar regions. Students on Ice educates and inspires the next generation of polar scientists, researchers, and environmental leaders by introducing them to these magical regions and increasing their understanding and respect for nature. From 2000 Students on Ice have enabled almost 1000 high school and university students from thirty countries have been able to visit the polar regions.
Students on Ice in cooperation with the International Polar Year Federal Programs Office of Canada, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and First Air will offer fully-funded scholarships for Canadian youth to participate in the upcoming Arctic Expedition. Those eligible for the grant are high school students between the age of 14-18. The scholarships will be distributed between Aboriginal youth and other students from across the country.
Selection Criteria:
- Applicant must be a Canadian citizen between 14 and 18 years old at the time of application. Applicant must currently be attending high school at the time of application.
- Applicant must submit a completed application form with 2 letters of reference.
- Applicant must submit a copy of Aboriginal Status if the applicant is an Inuit, First Nations, or Métis beneficiary
- Applicant must submit a completed application form with 2 letters of reference.
- Applicant must understand that this is an educational expedition, not a vacation. He/she must be committed to participate fully in all aspects of the education program.
- Applicant must demonstrate some or all of the following qualities: strong academics and/or passion for learning, interest in the environment; leadership qualities and/or potential to develop these qualities; a desire to make a difference, become a polar ambassador, and an environmentally responsible citizen.
- Applicants must act as ambassadors for his/her community and must be prepared to share their journey with the community and country before, during, and after the expedition. Students will be expected to be available for media interviews and to submit journal entries for the SOI Expedition Website and other blogs.
- Applicant must have current Government-issued identification (with photo, if possible). Ex: Health Card, Driver's License, Birth Certificate.
Download the Students on Ice Arctic Scholarships application form in English