Edna Elias facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edna Elias
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|---|---|
| 4th Commissioner of Nunavut | |
| In office 12 May 2010 – 11 May 2015 |
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| Prime Minister | Stephen Harper |
| Premier | Eva Aariak Peter Taptuna |
| Preceded by | Nellie Kusugak (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Nellie Kusugak |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1954/1955 (age 69–70) Kugluktuk, Nunavut |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Relations | Christian Klengenberg (great grandfather) |
Edna Elias is an important Canadian leader from Kugluktuk, Nunavut. She was born around 1955. On May 12, 2010, she became the fourth commissioner of Nunavut. The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, chose her for this role. Her time as Commissioner ended on May 11, 2015.
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Who is Edna Elias?
Edna Elias is a well-known Canadian politician. She has worked hard for the people of Nunavut. Her career shows her dedication to her community.
Early Life and Career
Before becoming Commissioner, Edna Elias held many important jobs. She was the mayor of her hometown, Kugluktuk. She also worked as a principal at Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik, a primary school.
Edna Elias taught in Arctic Bay, Nunavut. She also worked for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated in Cambridge Bay. This organization works to protect the rights of the Inuit people. Before Nunavut became its own territory in 1999, she led the language department for the Northwest Territories.
As Commissioner, Edna Elias represented the Canadian government in Nunavut. It's a bit like being a governor for the territory. She worked to make Nunavut a better place.
Promoting Language and Education
Edna Elias speaks Inuinnaqtun fluently. This is one of the Inuit languages. She was chosen to be part of the Inuit Language Authority in 2009. This group helps to protect and promote the Inuit language.
When she became Commissioner, Edna Elias had a clear goal. She wanted to promote education for young people. She also wanted to make sure Inuit languages stayed strong.
Walking for a Cause
In December 2011, Edna Elias joined a special project. She teamed up with five other women from Cambridge Bay. One woman from Calgary also joined them. Their goal was to raise money for a good cause.
They wanted to raise $70,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. This money would help support breast cancer research. It would also help the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.
The Big Walk Details
To raise the money, the six women planned a huge walk. They decided to walk across the Coronation Gulf. This journey would take them from Umingmaktok to Cambridge Bay. The distance was about 250 kilometers (155 miles).
They hoped to complete the walk in May 2012. They planned to walk between 40 to 48 kilometers (25 to 30 miles) each day. This meant the trip would take 5 to 6 days. They wanted to arrive in Cambridge Bay in time for the Frolics. These are celebrations held over the Victoria Day weekend. Temperatures in Cambridge Bay during May are usually around -9.3 degrees Celsius (15 degrees Fahrenheit).
Awards and Recognition
Edna Elias has received important 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 can receive. It recognizes people who have made a big difference in Canada.
She also became a Member of the Order of Nunavut in 2010. She received this honor because of her role as Commissioner of Nunavut.
Family Connections
Edna Elias has an interesting family history. Her great-grandfather was Christian Klengenberg. He was a Danish whaler, trapper, and trader. He was an important figure in the Arctic.
