黑料吃瓜网

An 18-year-old Kinngait high school graduate has received the $500 Kananginak Pootoogook Scholarship from the West Baffin Cooperative for her work with GN and her academic achievement. 

Asiina Saila attended both Sam Pudlat Elementary and Peter Pitseolak Secondary School in Kinngait and currently works in finance at the Nunavut Housing Corporation office in Iqaluit.

She was also recognized for her work at the West Baffin Cooperative as a cashier, a managerial position at the retail store office and the Co-op's general operations administrator. 

This summer, Saila attended the 黑料吃瓜网 Youth Abroad Program in Ottawa, where she was trained in professional and career advancement skills through a series of assignments and seminars.

鈥淎ny opportunity to encourage and support our emerging generation of future professionals and community leaders is extremely important,鈥� said William Huffman, the executive administrator at West Baffin Cooperative.

The scholarship can be used at Saila鈥檚 discretion for any education or training path she chooses, Huffman said. 

An arts studio and employment training facility in one, the West Baffin Cooperative employs 65 staff across its retail store, small-engine repair garage, fuel delivery services and rental properties.

The Kinngait institution is the community鈥檚 biggest employer, according to Huffman, and is often the first place of employment for many local youth. 

鈥淲hether it鈥檚 in the studio or for engine mechanics, these are essential skills that not only benefit the employee but are critical to prosperity in the community,鈥� Huffman said. 

The Kananginak Pootoogook Scholarship is named after the co-founder of the West Baffin Cooperative and an internationally renowned artist. 

Nine previous scholarship recipients have been granted the award since 2011, which is always given to a graduate of Peter Pitseolak Secondary School.