Aluki Kotierk facts for kids

Aluki Kotierk (born in 1975) is an important Inuk leader and politician. She was born in Iqaluit, Nunavut, but grew up in Igloolik. She works to protect and promote the rights, language, and culture of the Inuit people.

Aluki Kotierk's Early Life and Education

Aluki Kotierk was born in Iqaluit, which is now in Nunavut, in 1975. She went to Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. There, she earned two degrees. She studied Native Studies and also Canadian Studies. These studies helped her understand the history and lives of Indigenous peoples.

Aluki Kotierk's Important Work

Aluki Kotierk is the president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI). NTI is a group that works for the rights of Inuit people in Nunavut. She also leads other groups connected to NTI. These groups help with training, education, and supporting Inuit elders.

What NTI Does

NTI makes sure the promises of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement are kept. This agreement is a special deal between the Inuit of Nunavut and the Canadian government. It gives Inuit people rights over their land and resources. NTI helps Inuit people have a say in how Nunavut is run.

Kotierk's Main Goals

As president, Aluki Kotierk focuses on four main areas:

• Empowerment: Helping Inuit people have more control over their lives.
• Inuit Language and Culture: Protecting and promoting the Inuit language (like Inuktitut) and Inuit culture.
• Collective Healing: Helping Inuit communities heal from past challenges.
• Inuit Identity: Strengthening the sense of who Inuit people are.

Working on the World Stage

Aluki Kotierk also works with international groups.

• She is a member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. This group helps Indigenous peoples around the world. She represents Arctic peoples there.
• She is also a co-chair for the Global Task Force for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. This group works to save and promote Indigenous languages from 2022 to 2032.

Her Path to Leadership

Before becoming president, Kotierk worked for many Inuit organizations. These included groups like Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. She also held important roles in the government of Nunavut. She worked in areas like language and employment.

In 2016, she decided to run for president of NTI. On December 13, 2016, she won the election. She was re-elected for another four-year term in 2021. Her current term will end in December 2024.

Aluki Kotierk's Personal Life

Aluki Kotierk lives in Iqaluit. She speaks Inuktitut, which is the main Inuit language. She has five children and one grandchild.