The Nunatsiavut Government has awarded the first Inuttitut and Cultural Preservations Recognition Awards to two local residents.

Maria Merkuratsuk of Nain and Nicholas Flowers of Hopedale are being recognized for showcasing their language and culture every day, and actively sharing their knowledge and skills with others.

The Nunatsiavut Government says Maria grew up on the land and loves to take people to her cabin to show them the land and the things her parents taught her.

Nicholas meanwhile learned Inuttitut in high school, speaking with people in the community and visiting elders to learn as much as he can. He recently moved to Iqaluit to complete his studies in learning Inuttitut as a second language. He volunteers in the community and is active in the Moravian Inuttitut Church Choir.