The Department of Health creates scholarship in memory of Savanna Pikuyak

Press Release

21 September 2022

Nunavut wide (September 21, 2022) – John Main, Minister of Health, today released the following statement:

“I was saddened to hear of the untimely and senseless murder of Savanna Pikuyak, a young woman from Sanirajak. Savanna’s death is a great loss to her family, her friends, community and indeed to all of Nunavut.

Savanna had moved to Ottawa to begin her studies towards becoming a nurse, a calling that would have been a great benefit to Nunavummiut. Prior to that, she worked for the Department of Health as a summer student in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Savanna was a role model and a kind and goodhearted individual. She cared deeply for her family and the well-being of others. She was a person who wanted to better herself to help better Nunavut.

The Department of Health and I do not want Savanna’s death to be in vain. Instead, we want her memory to serve as an inspiration and motivation to more young Nunavummiut who want to pursue a nursing career.

With that in mind, the Department of Health will be awarding an annual $5,000 scholarship in Savanna’s name to one Nunavut Inuk student entering pre-nursing studies.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Savanna’s family and community. I hope this small gesture in her name will help in their healing journey. Matna.”

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Media Contact:

Chris Puglia
Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
cpuglia@gov.nu.ca

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