Jim Lyall (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Lyall
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|---|---|
| 1st President of Nunatsiavut | |
| In office 2008–2012 |
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| Prime Minister | Stephen Harper |
| Premier | Danny Williams Kathy Dunderdale |
| Preceded by | Tony Andersen (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Sarah Leo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1945 Nutak, Newfoundland |
| Died | May 13, 2022 (aged 76–77) |
Jim Lyall (1945 – 13 May 2022) was an important leader for the Inuit people in Canada. He was the very first President of Nunatsiavut, a special self-governing region for the Inuit in Labrador. He worked hard to represent his community and make life better for everyone.
Jim Lyall's Early Life
Jim Lyall was born in 1945 in a place called Nutak. Nutak was a small community in northern Labrador. When Jim was young, his family and others had to move from Nutak. They moved to Nain, which is another community in Labrador.
Jim went to school in Nain and North West River. He also finished high school in St. John's. After school, he worked in stores run by the government in Labrador. Later, he became the Mayor of Nain. He also worked as the town's postmaster.
Leading Nunatsiavut
Jim Lyall was a key figure in the creation of Nunatsiavut. This is a special area in Labrador where the Inuit people govern themselves. From 1977 to 1981, and again from 2002 to 2005, Jim was the executive director of the Labrador Inuit Association. This group helped set up Nunatsiavut.
In 2008, Nunatsiavut held its first election for President. Jim Lyall won this election. He became the first-ever President of Nunatsiavut.
One important thing Jim Lyall did as President was to help bring back Inuit remains. These were bodies that had been taken from Rose Island and Upernavik Island in the 1970s. In 2011, he helped return them to Nunatsiavut. This was a very meaningful event for the Inuit people.
Jim Lyall did not run for President again in 2012. Sarah Leo took over as the next President.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2017, Jim Lyall was chosen to represent Nain as an Ordinary Member in a special election. He continued to serve his community. In 2022, he ran for election again but did not win.
Jim Lyall passed away in May 2022. He died just a few days after the election. He also passed away only a few hours after his wife, Jean. Jim Lyall is remembered as a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the Inuit people of Nunatsiavut.
