Helen Maksagak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen Maksagak
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| 1st Commissioner of Nunavut | |
| In office April 1, 1999 – April 1, 2000 |
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| Prime Minister | Jean Chrétien |
| Premier | Paul Okalik |
| Succeeded by | Peter Irniq |
| Commissioner of the Northwest Territories | |
| In office January 16, 1995 – March 26, 1999 |
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| Prime Minister | Jean Chrétien |
| Premier | Nellie J. Cournoyea Don Morin Jim Antoine |
| Preceded by | Daniel L. Norris |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Joseph Marion |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 15, 1931 Bernard Harbour, Northwest Territories (now Nunavut) |
| Died | January 23, 2009 (aged 77) Cambridge Bay, Nunavut |
| Residences | Cambridge Bay, Nunavut |
Helen Mamayaok Maksagak, CM (April 15, 1931 – January 23, 2009) was an important Canadian politician. She served as the commissioner of the Northwest Territories from 1995 to 1999. Later, she became the very first commissioner of Nunavut from 1999 to 2000. She was a notable Copper Inuk, an Indigenous person from the Arctic.
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Helen Maksagak: A Trailblazing Leader
Helen Maksagak was born in 1931 near Bernard Harbour in the Canadian Arctic. She grew up in different communities like Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik. Eventually, she settled in Cambridge Bay with her husband, John Sr. They raised six children together.
Supporting Indigenous Rights
Helen and John Maksagak strongly supported the growing movement for Indigenous rights in Northern Canada. Their home was often a meeting place for young Inuit leaders. These leaders were working on important agreements like the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. They also discussed political life in the Northwest Territories.
A Career in Public Service
Helen Maksagak began her public service career in 1992. She was appointed as the Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. This role helped prepare her for bigger responsibilities.
First Woman and Inuk Commissioner
In 1995, Helen Maksagak became the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. This was a very important step. She was the first woman and the first Inuk person to hold this high office. Her appointment was also a sign of the upcoming creation of Nunavut.
When Nunavut officially became a territory on April 1, 1999, Helen Maksagak made history again. She moved with her office to the new territory. She served as the first Commissioner of Nunavut until April 1, 2000. Her leadership helped the new government get started smoothly. She later served as Assistant Commissioner of Nunavut from 2005 until her death.
Legacy and Recognition
Helen Maksagak was recognized for her dedication and service. In May 2003, she was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian citizen can receive.
Continued Contributions
She also served on the Qulliit (Nunavut) Status of Women Council. This council works to improve the lives of women in Nunavut. Helen Maksagak also acted as an Elder for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. This foundation helps Indigenous people heal from past harms.
Remembering Helen Maksagak
Helen Maksagak passed away on January 23, 2009, at the age of 77. To honor her memory, a street in Iqaluit, Nunavut's capital, is named Helen Maksagak Drive.
