Gerald Kisoun facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Gerald Kisoun KStJ ONWT
Gerald Kisoun in February 2025
Commissioner of the Northwest Territories
Incumbent
Assumed office May 14, 2024
Prime Minister	Justin Trudeau Mark Carney
Premier	R.J. Simpson
Preceded by	Margaret Thom
Personal details
Born	1953 (age 71–72) Northwest Territories, Canada

Gerald W. Kisoun (born in 1953) is an important leader in Canada's Northwest Territories. He has been the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories since May 14, 2024. Before this, he served as the deputy commissioner of the Northwest Territories from 2011 to 2017. He also stepped in as the acting Commissioner for a period between 2016 and 2017.

About Gerald Kisoun

Early Life and Family

Gerald Kisoun was born in 1953 in the Mackenzie Delta area of the Northwest Territories. He has a rich background, being from both Inuvialuit and Gwich'in heritage. He has four grown children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Career Journey

Gerald Kisoun had a long and respected career in public service.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Service

He was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for 25 years, from 1971 to 1996. During his time with the RCMP, he worked in places like Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, as well as in Alberta and the Yukon.

Work with Parks Canada

After retiring from the RCMP, Kisoun spent 17 years working with Parks Canada. He was part of the Western Arctic Field Unit. In this role, he connected with local schools. He also worked to support students' education in science and cultural heritage.

Community Involvement

Kisoun has always been very involved in his community. He has served on many different boards and committees. These include the Northwest Territories Tourism Board and the Gwich’in Land and Water Board. He also helped guide the RCMP's Indigenous Advisory Committee.

He dedicated his time to cultural events too. He was part of the Muskrat Jamboree Committee and the Northern Games Society. He even served as the President and Chair of the Northern Games Society.

Special Recognition

In 2015, Gerald Kisoun received Canada's Polar Medal. This award recognized his hard work. The award citation called him a "well-respected Elder." It noted that he "worked tirelessly at strengthening the awareness and understanding of northern Canada and its peoples."

In February 2016, Herbert Nakimayak, a member of the Legislative Assembly, spoke about Kisoun's important cultural contributions.

Honours and Awards

Gerald Kisoun has received several honours for his service and dedication.

Ribbon	Description	Notes
	Order of St John (K.StJ)	Knight of Justice. Vice Prior of the Order in the Northwest Territories
	Order of the Northwest Territories (OWNT)	Awarded in 2024.
	Polar Medal	Awarded in 2015.
	125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal	Awarded in 1992.
	Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal	Awarded in 2012. This is the Canadian Version of the Medal.
	Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal	Includes a bar for 25 years of service.

Images for kids

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  Ribbon for the Order of St John

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  Ribbon for the Order of the Northwest Territories

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  Ribbon for the Polar Medal

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  Ribbon for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal

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  Ribbon for the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

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  Ribbon for the RCMP Long Service Medal

External Links

• Commissioner Gerald Kisoun Biography