Edna Elias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edna Elias
|
|
|---|---|
| 4th Commissioner of Nunavut | |
| In office 12 May 2010 – 11 May 2015 |
|
| Prime Minister | Stephen Harper |
| Premier | Eva Aariak Peter Taptuna |
| Preceded by | Nellie Kusugak (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Nellie Kusugak |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1954/1955 (age 70–71) Coppermine, Northwest Territories (now Kugluktuk, Nunavut) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Relations | Christian Klengenberg (great grandfather) |
Edna Agnes Ekhivalak Elias is a Canadian leader from Kugluktuk, Nunavut. She was born around 1955. From May 12, 2010, to May 11, 2015, she served as the fourth commissioner of Nunavut. This important role is like being the Queen's representative in the territory.
Contents
Who is Edna Elias?
Edna Elias has dedicated her life to serving her community. She has held many important positions. She is known for her strong support of education and the Inuit languages.
Her Important Roles
Edna Elias has had a busy career helping people.
- She was the mayor of her hometown, Kugluktuk.
- She worked as a principal at Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik, a primary school.
- She also taught in Arctic Bay.
- She was an executive assistant for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. This group works to protect the rights of Inuit people.
- Before Nunavut became its own territory in 1999, she led the language bureau for the Department of Culture and Employment.
Promoting Inuit Language
Edna Elias speaks Inuinnaqtun fluently. This is one of the Inuit languages. When she became Commissioner, she said her main goals were to promote education and support Inuit languages. She believes it is very important to keep these languages strong.
Helping Others: The Arctic Walk
In December 2011, Edna Elias joined a special group. She and five other women decided to raise money for a good cause. They wanted to help the Alberta Cancer Foundation. This foundation supports research for breast cancer.
A Challenging Journey
To raise money, the six women planned an amazing trip. They walked across the frozen Coronation Gulf. This journey was about 250 kilometers (155 miles) long. They walked from Umingmaktok to Cambridge Bay. The walk took place in May 2012. The group hoped to walk between 40 to 48 kilometers (25 to 30 miles) each day. They completed the walk in 5 to 6 days. They arrived in Cambridge Bay just in time for the Frolics, a local celebration. The average temperature in Cambridge Bay during May is about -9.3 degrees Celsius (15 degrees Fahrenheit).
Special Recognition
Edna Elias has received high honors for her work.
- In 2019, she was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian citizen can receive.
- In 2010, she also became a Member of the Order of Nunavut. She received this honor because of her role as Commissioner of Nunavut.
Family History
Edna Elias has an interesting family background. Her great-grandfather was Christian Klengenberg. He was a Danish whaler, trapper, and trader. He was an important figure in the Arctic's history.
