Inuit Pay Tribute to Legendary Inuit Leader Jose Amaujaq Kusugak

National Inuit Leader Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, asked Inuit and all Canadians to pause in memory of a remarkable Inuit leader and true friend, Mr. Jose Amaujaq Kusugak, who died of cancer surrounded by his loving family in Rankin Inlet on January 18, 2011 at the age of 60.

“On behalf of the ITK board of directors, ITK staff and all Inuit, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Jose’s family, especially Nellie, his wife of 34 years, his children Pujjuut, Alana, Aliisa and Special, and his 13 grandchildren,” said Mary Simon.

Jose served as ITK President for two terms, from 2000 to 2006. His legacy will continue long into ITK’s future, in its logo, name, values and objectives.

It was under Jose Kusugak’s direction that ITK changed its name from Inuit Tapirisat of Canada to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, which means “Inuit are united in Canada.” At the same time, he wanted a logo that reflected the place of Inuit in Canada.

“From now on, when I look at our logo, Inuit representing our four regions, hands joined embracing the maple leaf, I will remember Jose Kusugak,” Simon added.

“Recently, my husband Whit Fraser and I were able to travel to Rankin Inlet to say goodbye to Jose, to thank him and tell him we loved him,” said Mary Simon. “He was brave, honest and loving to the end. We will miss him deeply, and we will never forget him.”