From Nunavut to new beginnings

Joshua Tugak enrolled at the University of Manitoba (UM) as an arts student—becoming the first person in his family to attend post-secondary school.

For someone from a small Nunavut community, it’s a significant milestone. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing where I can go,” he says. “It’s quite amazing.” 

Tugak had already been living in Winnipeg when he began taking classes in social work and kinesiology, easing the transition into university life. 

Still, UM—with its commitment to Reconciliation--offers far more than what is available back home.

“There are so many options and resources for students,” he says of things like Indigenous programming, academic mentoring, leadership development, on-campus childcare and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. 

“I’m learning a lot about how education works.”

Education funding

Tugak receives funding for school through the Government of Nunavut—something he wants to make more Inuit aware of. Under the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS) program, his tuition, books and living expenses are covered, along with one trip home. 

“I want more Inuit to take advantage of this program,” he says. “Not everyone knows about it, and it has made this dream possible for me.”

Since Tugak recently called himself a “dreamer” in a UM recruitment video for Indigenous students, the line may sound familiar.

“It was really fun being part of the video,” he adds, noting he shared it online with friends and “proud” family members. 

“I like the way it portrayed Indigenous people living here.”

Paying it forward

Tugak is determined to use his education to support other Inuit—especially in his home community of Rankin Inlet. In the Arctic, many people face complex social challenges, and Tugak hopes to help with the healing by working with youth.

“I’ve struggled with mental health and ADHD, (and) learned how important self-care is when it comes to having healthy relationships.”

He says being part of a small but resilient Inuk community in Winnipeg has helped keep him grounded, while living in residence has made the UM campus feel like home.

“I’ve changed into a whole new person,” he says, noting he feels full of “appreciation and gratitude. 

“I’ve learned several ways to be curious and learn.”

Watch four UM Indigenous students pursue different post-secondary paths

 At UM, through moments of transition, connection and growth, we see how Indigenous excellence is nurtured here, in a place where students are grounded in culture and supported to lead. Different paths, one place to begin. 

At UM, we are all Bisons! 

This story is one of a four-part series. Meet Rayden, Raven and Jory.