The
task of providing equal access to Nunavuts legal system
just got a little easier with the certification of 10 students
enrolled in the latest legal interpreting portion of the interpreter-translator
program at Arctic College.
The
students, who have just finished a two-month course, were presented
with their certificates in the courthouse last week. Instructors
Makee Kakkik and Susan Sammons presented the awards with the help
of Justice Minister Paul Okalik.
Susa
Qappik, 25, of Pangnirtung, said the hardest part of the course
was the examination on criminal law.
She
also said that because there are only three full-time students in
the interpreter-translator program this year, the extra legal interpreting
students made a big difference and made the program more interesting
and exciting.
I
would recommend this program to anyone interested in working with
language. Its very interesting. Qappik said.
Peter
Petaulassie, 21, of Cape Dorset, said that he did not really struggle
too much with the course and he felt the course went smoothly.
Petaulassie
works in Cape Dorset when there are show-cause hearings. He also
processes applications. He said that he wants to go to Toronto to
study law.
I
had a good time. It was quite a learning experience.
Syula
Bobinski, who works as a justice coordinator in Kimmirut, said she
found the family law part of the course was harder than the other
aspects. She is interested in attending Akitsiraq Law School if
it offers courses again.
Okalik
said that as the students enter the workforce, theyll find
that it will not always be easy or pleasant, adding that Nunavut
needs them and thanks them for their interest in law.
Students
from other communities included Della Ootoova, Susa Qappik, Doris
Tautu, Nadia Kooneeliusie, Della Nault, Syula Bobinski, Noella Nipisa,
Phillippe Lavallee, Elisapee Ikkidluak, and Peter Petaulassie.
Full-time
interpreter-translator students still have several more months to
go before they wrap up their studies. Successful students will have
graduation ceremonies in April 2005.
After
the presentation of certificates, appreciation awards were handed
to judges, lawyers and other court workers who helped deliver the
legal interpreting course.
|