Congratulations to our CILR Award recipients

Makee Kakee, Panniqtuuq/Iqaluit

Makee Kakee (Maaki) is originally from Pannniqtuuq and moved to Iqaluit 24 years ago to work for BRIA, now called Qikiqtani Inuit Association as an Interpreter/translator. Makee completed a diploma program of Interpreter/Translator and has been working professionally for 30 years. She loves working with Elders to gather information about the past and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. Over her career, Makee has worked in different organizations such as, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), Nunavut Social Development Council (NSDC), Nunavut Court of Justice (NCJ) and as a freelancer, and as an instructor at the Nunavut Arctic College concentrating on Legal Interpreting. Makee is currently taking an educational leave to learn more of the Inuit history, traditions and traditional terminology. She enjoys working with sealskins and sewing garments, both industrial tanned skins and traditionally tanned. Makee has three daughters (one son passed), 24 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild who all speak only or mostly Inuktitut.

Barbara Ballantyne, Deschambault Lake/Saskatoon

Barbara Ballantyne is from Deschambault Lake, and now lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She is the mother of ten children and grandmother of five. She is currently writing a book with her daughter in Cree ‘th’ dialect.  Barbara became interested in the Indigenous Language Revitalization program because as a mom and an Aboriginal Head Start Coordinator, she could hear the little ones only speaking English. Upon completing CILR, Barbara wants to create or work with a language program to bring back her language.

Caroline Ipeelie, Iqaluit

Caroline Ipeelie was born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut where the majority of her family resides. She has three boys, who shape and drive her life. She currently works as a Heritage Appreciation Coordinator for the Qikiqtaaluk region; working with locals, collecting stories and promoting Inuit culture. 

Ceporah Mearns, Panniqtuuq/Iqaluit

Ms. Ceporah Mearns is originally from Panniqtuuq, Nunavut, currently living in Iqaluit. Ceporah is a mother of two and is a celebrated children’s book author whose work has been translated into Inuktut and languages worldwide. A passionate researcher and instructor, volunteer and a student in the Qimattuvik program at the Pirurvik Centre in Iqaluit, NU. Ceporah places Inuit culture, traditions and language at the forefront of her contribution to her community, territory and global community.

My name is Carole Tinqui. I was born in Behchoko, Northwest Territories and have lived here all my life. I have a daughter name Khloe who is six years old, and am married to Kevin Tinqui. Tłı̨chǫ language is my first language when growing up and it is very important for me and my families. I’ve seen many changes in our community and I want to help those in need, as well as learning more teaching skills. I know it takes a lot of hard work and determination to learn our Tłı̨chǫ language.

Samone Sayese-Whitney is a member of the Tsuut'ina Nation. She is a mother of two, aged 4 years and 10 months. Since 2012, Samone has been teaching language at the Tsuut’ina Gunaha Institute at the elementary, middle and high school level. Samone began the Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization with colleagues at the Tsuut’ina Gunaha Institute in 2019. She looks forward to completing her certificate and continuing on to gain a Bachelor of Education to support her work in Indigenous education and language revitalization.