Ann Meekitjuk Hanson facts for kids

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson (born May 22, 1946) is an important leader from Nunavut. She was the third Commissioner of Nunavut. This role is like a representative of the King or Queen in the territory. She served from April 21, 2005, to April 10, 2010.

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson is an Inuit woman. When she was born, like many Inuit people at that time, the Canadian government gave her a special number. This number was used to identify people. Her number was E7-121.

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson's Early Life and Education

Ann spent her first 11 years speaking only Inuktitut. She lived in small communities called Qakutut and Kimmirut. Later, she went to schools in bigger towns. These included Iqaluit, Baker Lake, and Toronto.

She studied many different things. She learned about how to help communities grow. She also studied geography. Ann earned a special diploma in journalism. This means she learned how to be a reporter and writer.

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson's Diverse Career

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson has had many different jobs. She has worked for the government. She has also been a broadcaster, a journalist, and an author. She used her skills in the Inuktitut language in all her jobs.

In 1964, she started working for the Canadian government. She was a secretary and helped translate for an important Member of Parliament.

Acting in "The White Dawn"

Ann also appeared in a movie called The White Dawn in 1974. She used a different name, "Pilitak," for her role. Many Inuit actors were in this film. They spoke Inuktitut in the movie. Ann said the film helped her community remember their language.

Working in Media

Later, Ann joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). She started as a receptionist. Then, she became an announcer and producer for Inuktitut radio shows.

She was also the very first editor of a local newspaper in Iqaluit. This newspaper was called Inukshuk. It later became Nunatsiaq News. Ann also wrote a book called Show Me. This book was written in both Inuktitut and English.

Government Roles

Besides her media work, Ann also worked for the government of the Northwest Territories. She helped communities develop. She also worked as a counsellor and a deputy commissioner.

Helping Her Community

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson has spent a lot of time volunteering. She helped start many groups in Iqaluit. These groups include:

• The Juvenile Court Committee, which helps young people.
• The Elders Group, for older community members.
• The Inuit Cultural Group, which helps keep Inuit traditions alive.
• The Quinuajuaq Society.

In 2003, Ann was recognized for her hard work. She became a Member of the Order of Canada. This is a very high honor in Canada. It shows how much she helped her community and kept Inuit culture strong.

Ann lives in Iqaluit with her husband, Robert Hanson. They have five grown daughters.

See also

• Notable Aboriginal people of Canada