Gerald Kisoun facts for kids

Gerald W. Kisoun was born in 1953. He is the current Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. He started this important job in 2024. Before that, he was the Deputy Commissioner from 2011 to 2017. He also served as the acting Commissioner for a while.

About Gerald Kisoun

Gerald Kisoun was born in 1953. His birthplace was in the Mackenzie Delta area. He has both Inuvialuit and Gwich'in family roots. He is a respected Elder in his community.

Gerald Kisoun has four grown children. He also has five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His Career and Community Work

Working with the RCMP

Gerald Kisoun worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). He was an officer for 25 years. This was from 1971 to 1996. He served in places like Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. He also worked in Alberta and the Yukon.

Working for Parks Canada

After leaving the RCMP, he worked for Parks Canada. He was there for 17 years. He worked with the Western Arctic Field Unit. His job was to connect with local schools. He helped students learn about science and their cultural heritage.

Helping His Community

Gerald Kisoun has been part of many groups. He served on the Northwest Territories Tourism Board. He was also on the Gwich’in Land and Water Board. He helped with the Gwich’in Land Use Planning Board. He was part of the RCMP Indigenous Advisory Committee. He also joined the Inuvik Community Corporation’s Elders Committee.

He has also spent time helping with cultural events. He was on the Muskrat Jamboree Committee. He also worked with the Northern Games Society. He was even its President and Chair.

Special Awards and Recognition

In 2015, Gerald Kisoun received a special award. It was called Canada's Polar Medal. This award is for people who do great things in Canada's North. The award said he was a "well-respected Elder." It also said he worked hard to help people understand northern Canada.

In 2016, a politician named Herbert Nakimayak spoke about him. He talked about Gerald Kisoun's cultural contributions. This happened in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

Honours and Medals

Gerald Kisoun has received several important medals. These medals recognize his service and dedication.

Ribbon	Description	Notes
	Order of St John (K.StJ)	This is an international award for helping others. He is a Knight of Justice in the Order. He is also the Vice Prior for the Northwest Territories.
	Order of the Northwest Territories (OWNT)	This is the highest honour given by the Northwest Territories. He received it in 2024.
	Polar Medal	This medal honours people who have contributed to Canada's North. He received it in 2015.
	125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal	This medal was given in 1992. It marked 125 years since Canada became a country.
	Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal	This medal was given in 2012. It celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years as Queen.
	Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal	This medal is for long service in the RCMP. He received it for 25 years of service.