Freeman S. Russell Memorial Bursary

Freeman Samuel Russell was born and raised on the south coast of Labrador. He lived most of his life in William’s Harbour and Rexon’s Cove, and other places like Port Hope Simpson and later Charlottetown. He was an Inuk, a Labradorian who knew the people from which he was descended and the places to which he belonged. He hunted, fished and lived off the land in the same places his people had for thousands of years.

Freeman was an advocate for education and learning. He saw the need for more formal and western based training and education, and he always knew the value and necessity of NunatuKavut Inuit traditional knowledge and skills. Throughout his life he had a constant yearning for knowledge whether from the older ones, the Elders or from the many books and magazines he constantly read. Freeman shared his immense knowledge and vast skill to help others, his community and Labrador. Widely respected for his knowledge and ability to come up with ways to solve just about any problem he was known for his kindness and eagerness to offer support to any who needed it.

Freeman was especially fond of the young people and took much time and care to show them how important they were. He was proud of all those who worked hard and tried to make a good life for themselves particularly in NunatuKavut and in Labrador. He was encouraging and confident that everything we need for our families and communities is right here at home.