The People of Pirurvik
The Pirurvik Centre has developed its reputation on the basis of the strength of its employees, affiliates and most importantly, our Elder advisors. Each person brings with them a unique interest and depth of experience working in the area of Inuit culture, language and wellbeing.
 |
LEENA EVIC
Executive Director Leena is the founder, vision keeper and Executive Director for Pirurvik. She works in all areas of Pirurvik’s operations; however, she is most actively involved in shaping and developing Pirurvik’s programs and productions. Born and raised on the land, Leena has pursued life interests emphasizing education, culture, language and healing. Leena has worked as a teacher, principal and curriculum developer and has extensive management experience in government and Inuit organizations. Leena has a Bachelors of Education from McGill University where she was also a Master’s candidate emphasizing research in educational leadership and culture-based education. Current Projects: Reclaiming the Whole Woman, Inuktitut Revitalization program, Microsoft localization
|
 |
GAVIN NESBITT
Gavin is a founding partner of the Pirurvik Centre and is currently the
Operations Director. In addition to managing the overall operations, Gavin
has been responsible for Pirurvik’s Microsoft localization project, the new Inuktitut language iOS (ipod/phone) app as well as contributing to Pirurvik’s
programs planning and development. Current Projects: Microsoft Inuktitut Language Interface Pack, new Inuktitut iOS/Ipod application
|
 |
CHRIS DOUGLAS Senior Program Developer Chris Douglas shares responsibility for Pirurvik’s production development and the management of its Inuktitut Second Language program. This has included the creation of the award-winning Tusaalanga.ca website and the development of the successful “Inuktitut Essentials” phrasebook. Chris also contributes broadly to Pirurvik’s work and has played a vital role in the development of Nunavut’s new Inuktitut Language Protection Act and the Official Languages Act.
Prior to joining Pirurvik, Chris worked as the Director of Official
Languages for the Government of Nunavut, as Policy Advisor and
Researcher for the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut and
with the Gwichi’in Social and Cultural Institute. He has a B.A and an
M.A. from the University of Toronto and speaks several languages. Current Projects: Consulting, Tusaalanga 3.0 enhancement, curriculum production
|
 |
MYNA ISHULUTAK Myna Ishulutak is Pirurvik’s introductory Inuktitut second language instructor. In this role, she is responsible for teaching and contributing to the development of several Inuktitut second language programs. Prior to joining Pirurvik, Myna worked in various positions with the Department of Culture, Languages, Elders and Youth and the Nunavut Department of Justice. She has diplomas in Inuit Studies and Social Work from Nunavut Arctic College. Myna has also taken a number of course in video production and broadcasting and is a co-owner of Tajaarniit Productions, a film company focusing on Inuit cultural documentaries and Inuktitut language film productions . Current Projects: Inuktitut Pigiarvik and Allurvik Courses |
| Pirurvik's affiliates and alumni |
In addition to our core staff, Pirurvik works with or has worked with a range of professionals Inuit Language and Cultural Development. Some of these include: |
| Aaju Peter |
|
| Jeela Palluq-Cloutier |
|
| Eva Aariak |
|
| Janet Tamalik McGrath |
|
| Amanda Kuluguqtuq |
Pirurvik’s Elder Advisors:
Pirurvik works closely with our Inuit elders to ensure that our programs our grounded in highest level of cultural and language experience. Some of our key Elder advisors include:
 |
Mariano Aupilardjuk, an Elder of great renown and winner of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award. Aupilardjuk’s teachings are effective and full of wisdom. His presence at any training session ensures an enraptured audience.
|
 |
Meeka Arnakaq, a well-known teacher, healer and a resource person. Meeka, who is a unilingual Inuktitut speaker, has spent many years as an Adult Educator, a counsellor and in the more recent years a co-facilitator with her husband in healing workshops throughout Nunavut Meeka has worked with Pirurvik on many projects and is a regular instructor for the Inuktitut Sanngatigiarvik program.
|
 |
Atoat Akittiq is a highly respected Elder from Igloolik. She was part of the research and story writing for the critically acclaimed film “Atanaarjuat”. Atoat has been a reliable and valued contributor to Pirurvik's programs and projects. Most recently, she was part of the Ingalangaittukuurvik development team and a contributor to the "Uqqaritsautit" project.
|
|
|