Alongside two other prominent Indigenous figures, a translator and teacher from the NWT will be honoured for her work with a special stamp from Canada Post.
Born in the small NWT hamlet of Ulukhaktok, Julia Haogak Ogina is known for her work in creating labguage programs and promoting oral knowledge transfer. She provided crucial assistance in the publishing of two books, The Northern Copper Inuit: A History, which discussed the rapid socio-economic changes occurring in Ulukhaktok at the time, and Huqqullaarutit Unipkaangit (Stories Told through Drum Dance Songs).
Ogina’s work earned her two major commendations, one being the Outstanding Achievement in Language Revitalization award in 2017, and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2020.
Julia Ogina will be honoured for her work with a special stamp from Canada Post
(Kitikmeot Inuit Association)
The second leader being honoured is Bruce Starlight, who has spent five decades working to preserve his own cultural language, that being the Tsúut’ínà Nation near Calgary. Throughout his work, he served as a language commissioner for his community and was among the founders of the Tsúut’ínà Gunáhà Násʔághà, an institute dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of his mother tongue.
The final leader is the late Sophie McDougall. Before passing away in 2023, McDougall worked as a Michif Language Keeper who shared the knowledge of her Métis culture with students and communities across the country. Born in St. Louis, Saskatchewan, McDougall was a descendant of the area’s original settlers. An Elder with the Prince Albert Métis Women’s Association in Saskatchewan for 20 years, McDougall translated books and other materials into Michif, the traditional language of the Métis.
All three of these leaders will be memorialized in a set of stamps from Canada Post, to help spread their names, stories, and messages. This will be the fourth set of stamps from Canada Post’s multi-year Indigenous Leaders series.
Ogina’s stamp will be unveiled sometime next week in a special event in her hometown of Ulukhaktok. The full set will be officially released across Canada on June 20th.
