Visually impaired Aboriginal an inspiration
McGill instructor Lolly Annahatak to receive a National Aboriginal Achievement Award
Lolly Annahatak, a resident of Quebec's Kuujjuaq region, has received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award (NAAA) in the social services category.
Annahatak, who translates and instructs in the McGill University Certificate Program in Northern Social Work Practice, was among the 14 Aboriginal leaders recognized by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation at a ceremony on Thursday, March 31, at the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium and Convention Centre. Media wishing to interview Lolly Annahatak should contact Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins at 514-398-6752.
About Lolly Annahatak
Lolly Annahatak never let her blindness interfere with her pursuit of life. Born on the Ungava Coast near Kangirsuk, Quebec (in the area of Nunavik), Annahatak was raised by her grandmother. She was diagnosed with infant glaucoma at age 3, and at age 16, she lost her sight. Annahatak has broken many disability barriers in Nunavik; she was the first student guidance counsellor for the Kativik School Board and the first Inuk to earn a Certificate in Northern Social Work. Later, armed with a Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University, Annahatak began her professional life as one of the first community social workers in Nunavik. The Kativik Regional Government awarded her the Nunavik Academic Achievement Award.
Annahatak translates and teaches courses in the McGill University Certificate Program in Northern Social Work Practice. She has visited many communities of Nunavik to conduct research for the Nunavik Health Board on the needs of persons with disabilities. Annahatak worked with the Tapiriilirniq committee that was established in 2000 to conduct a field trip to promote grassroots connections between elders and youth. She was a member of the Inuit Justice Task Force and is currently a part of the Aboriginal First Nation Suicidal Prevention Committee for the Province of Quebec. Annahatak works for the Tulattavik Hospital as a community social worker and team leader in her fieldwork for social assistance in the Ungava region.
About the awards
The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) were established in 1994 to recognize the outstanding career achievements of Aboriginal peoples, including First Nations, Inuit and Metis, in varied occupations. The awards represent the highest honour the Aboriginal community bestows upon its own achievers. The show will feature video vignettes of the award recipients and performances by some of Canada's top Aboriginal entertainers. Each year, 14 outstanding Aboriginal achievers receive the NAAA in diverse fields, including the arts, business, law, education, community development, health, heritage, medicine, public service, science and sports. The NAAA will honour 12 career recipients, one lifetime achiever and a youth, whose award includes a $10,000 scholarship.
