Inuk artist, educator named executive director at Nunavut Sivuniksavut

NEWS  JUN 5, 2023 – 5:02 PM EDT

Inuk artist, educator named executive director at Nunavut Sivuniksavut

Martha Kyak has worked in Inuit education for more than a decade

By Nunatsiaq News

Nunavut Sivuniksavut has a new executive director.

The college, which provides post-secondary education to Inuit students in Ottawa, announced Martha Kyak as its new executive director effective immediately, in a news release Monday.

Her hiring fills the vacancy left by Lynn Kilabuk, who left earlier this year after working as executive director since March 2021. School officials did not explain Kilabuk’s seemingly abrupt departure despite being questioned at the time by Nunatsiaq News.

Kyak has worked at Nunavut Sivuniksavut since 2010. She has taught Inuktitut, Inuit history and cultural education, according to the Nunavut Sivuniksavut website.

Prior to working at the college, she was a principal at Ulaajuk School in Pond Inlet, where she is from. She also worked as superintendent of schools at Qikiqtani School Operations, as well as manager of the teaching and learning centre.

Kyak might be familiar to Nunatsiaq News readers having appeared in numerous stories regarding her second career, in fashion.

“[Kyak’s] strong ties to the community and dedication to preserving and advancing Inuit rights and culture have earned her immense respect both within and outside” Nunavut Sivuniksavut, the school’s announcement said.