Scholarship awards presented to outstanding Nunavut Arctic College nursing students
Press Release
May 11, 2026
Iqaluit, Nunavut – The Department of Health and Nunavut Arctic College (NAC) proudly recognized exceptional nursing students today during the annual presentation of the Queen Elizabeth II Scholarships and the Savanna Pikuyak Scholarship Award.
The event, held at Aqsarniit Hotel, celebrated academic excellence, dedication to community health, and the commitment of Nunavut’s future nurses.
The Queen Elizabeth II Scholarships, valued at $3,000 each, were awarded to the top Nunavut Inuit and non-Inuit nursing students based on the highest cumulative grade point average (GPA) in years 2, 3 and 4 of the NAC nursing program.
This year’s recipients are:
- Tatiana Kalluk-McDonald.
- Christian Caguioa.
- Adam Tatty.
- Beverly Myers.
- Jade Anawak.
- Juliet Egeni.
In addition, the Savanna Pikuyak Scholarship Award, valued at $5,000, was presented. Established in 2022, the award honours the late Savanna Pikuyak, a kind-hearted and determined young Inuk woman who worked for three summers at the Sanirajak Health Centre before pursuing nursing studies at Algonquin College. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of Nunavut nurses.
This year’s Savanna Pikuyak Scholarship recipient was Dorcey Kuppaq.
Minister of Health Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster highlighted the importance of supporting Nunavut’s future health professionals as the work of the Department of Health depends deeply on the expertise, compassion and commitment of our nurses.
“Nursing is a cornerstone of our health-care system, and the territory’s future health professionals play a critical role in its strength and well-being of our communities. This year’s recipients have distinguished themselves through their outstanding achievement and commitment to the profession. We are proud to support their continued advancement,” said Minister Brewster.”
Minister Responsible for Nunavut Arctic College David Akeeagok praised both the program and its graduates supporting the territory’s health system in all 25 communities, with each needing and deserving dynamic care and support.
“We know the strength of our communities is centered in the care, support and advocacy people provide each other. Nursing graduates understand the range of support the health-care system can provide, and they have succeeded in a program that requires engagement, precision, grit and care. I celebrate all graduates of this program and thank Nunavut’s Department of Health for celebrating with us each year,” said Minister Akeeagok.
The Department of Health and Nunavut Arctic College congratulate all scholarship recipients and commend them for their hard work, resilience and dedication to improving health outcomes across the territory.
Contact
Charmaine Deogracias
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5712
cdeogracias@gov.nu.ca
Kara Hoang
Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Recruitment
Nunavut Arctic College
867-974-7318
Kara.Hoang@arcticcollege.ca
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