Jack Anawak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Iyerak Anawak
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| ᔭᒃ ᐃᐊᕋᒃ ᐊᓇᕙᒃ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In office January 19, 2004 – October 3, 2006 |
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| Prime Minister | Jean Chrétien | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Mary Simon | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Position abolished | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | September 26, 1950 Repulse Bay, Northwest Territories |
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Jack Iyerak Anawak (born September 26, 1950) is a Canadian politician from Nunavut. He has served in many important roles, including as a Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada's federal government and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Nunavut. He also represented Canada as an Ambassador.
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Jack Anawak's Political Journey
Working in Federal Politics
Jack Anawak first became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 1988. He represented the area called Nunatsiaq in the House of Commons of Canada in Ottawa. He was part of the Liberal Party of Canada. As an MP, he spoke for his community and helped make laws for the country.
After being re-elected in 1993, he was chosen to be a special helper, called a parliamentary secretary, to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. This meant he worked closely with the minister on important issues for Indigenous peoples and northern regions.
When Nunavut became its own territory in 1999, Jack Anawak was elected to its new government, the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. He represented the area of Rankin Inlet North. Many people thought he would become the first leader, or Premier, of Nunavut.
However, the Nunavut Assembly uses a special way of governing called a consensus government. This means members work together without political parties, and they choose their leader by agreement. The Assembly chose Paul Okalik as the first Premier instead.
Jack Anawak did not run for re-election in 2004. He tried to return to the Assembly in 2008, but his application was turned down because he was not living in Nunavut full-time at that moment. He tried again in the 2013 election but did not win.
Returning to Federal Politics
In 2015, Jack Anawak decided to run for MP again in his old riding, which was now simply called Nunavut. This time, he ran for the New Democratic Party. He came in second place in the election.
Working in City Politics
More recently, in 2023, Jack Anawak was elected to the Iqaluit City Council. This means he now helps make decisions for the city of Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut.
Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs
From January 2004 to 2006, Jack Anawak held an important job as the Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs. In this role, he represented Canada and worked with other countries that are located around the Arctic Circle. His job was to help solve problems and build relationships on issues important to the Arctic region. The position was later ended by the government.
