Ann Meekitjuk Hanson facts for kids

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson is an important leader from Nunavut, Canada. She was the third Commissioner of Nunavut, serving from April 21, 2005, to April 10, 2010. The Commissioner is like a representative of the King or Queen in Nunavut. Ann Meekitjuk Hanson is also known for her work as a civil servant, broadcaster, journalist, and author. She has always used her skills to help her community and keep Inuit culture strong.

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson's Early Life and Education

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson was born on May 22, 1946, in Qakutut, which was then part of the Northwest Territories and is now in Nunavut. For the first 11 years of her life, she spoke only Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit people. She lived in Qakutut and Kimmirut.

Learning and Growing

Ann attended schools in different places, including Iqaluit, Baker Lake (also called Qamanituaq), and Toronto. She studied community development at Saint Francis Xavier University. She also studied geography at the University of Windsor. Later, she earned a diploma with honors in journalism from Nunavut Arctic College.

A Unique Identification System

When Ann was born, like many Inuit people between the 1940s and 1970s, she was given a special "disc number" by the Canadian government. This number, E7-121 in her case, was a way for the government to identify Inuit individuals.

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson's Diverse Career

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson has had many different jobs throughout her life. She has worked for the government, in radio and TV, and as a writer. She has always used her ability to speak Inuktitut in her work.

Working for the Government

In 1964, Ann started working for the federal government. She was a secretary and also helped translate between English and Inuktitut. She worked in the office of Eugène Rhéaume, who was a Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories.

Acting in a Film

In 1974, Ann appeared in a movie called The White Dawn. She played a character named Neevee. Many Inuit actors were in this film, and they spoke Inuktitut. Ann later said that making this movie helped bring back a focus on their language in the Iqaluit community.

A Voice in Broadcasting and Journalism

Ann joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as a receptionist. She later became an announcer and producer for Inuktitut radio and TV shows. She was also the first editor of a community newspaper in Iqaluit called Inukshuk. This newspaper later became Nunatsiaq News. Ann is also an author; she wrote a book called Show Me in both Inuktitut and English.

More Government Service

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

Helping Her Community

Ann Meekitjuk Hanson has spent a lot of time volunteering to help others. She helped start several groups in Iqaluit. These groups include the Juvenile Court Committee, the Elders Group, the Inuit Cultural Group, and the Quinuajuaq Society.

Special Recognition

In 2003, Ann's hard work in community development and her efforts to keep Inuit heritage alive were recognized. She was made a Member of the Order of Canada, which is a very high honor. Later, she also received the Order of Nunavut (ONu).

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

Images for kids

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  The special design of Ann Meekitjuk Hanson's coat of arms.

See also

• Notable Aboriginal people of Canada