List of Canadian Inuit facts for kids

The Inuit are amazing Indigenous people who live in the Arctic and subarctic regions of Canada. They are found in places like the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik (in Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (in Labrador). All these areas together are known as Inuit Nunangatt. The Inuit have a rich culture and history, and many talented individuals have made important contributions to Canadian society and the world.

Inspiring Inuit People

Many Inuit have become famous for their work in different fields. They have been leaders, artists, musicians, athletes, and more. Here are some of the people who have helped shape their communities and Canada.

Leaders and Community Builders

Inuit leaders work hard to improve life for their people. They help make important decisions and protect Inuit rights and culture.

• Eva Aariak was the second Premier of Nunavut. This means she was like the head of the government for the territory of Nunavut. She was born in Arctic Bay in 1955.
• Willie Adams was a politician who served in the Senate of Canada. He was born in Kuujjuaq in 1934.
• Leona Aglukkaq is a politician who served as a Canadian federal minister. She was the Minister of Health and later the Minister of Environment. She was born in Inuvik in 1967.
• Nellie Cournoyea was a very important politician. She was the Premier of the Northwest Territories, the first Indigenous woman to lead a government in Canada. She was born in Aklavik in 1940.
• Tagak Curley was a key figure in creating Nunavut. He worked hard in the negotiations that led to the formation of the territory. He was born in Coral Harbour in 1944.
• Edna Elias served as the Commissioner of Nunavut. This role is like the Queen's representative in the territory. She was born in Kugluktuk in 1955.
• Ann Meekitjuk Hanson also served as a Commissioner of Nunavut. She was born in Qaktut in 1946.
• Peter Irniq was another Commissioner of Nunavut. He was born in Lyon Inlet in 1947.
• Peter Ittinuar made history as the first Inuk person to be elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada. He was born in Chesterfield Inlet in 1950.
• Helen Maksagak was a Commissioner for both Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. She was born in Bernard Harbour in 1931 and passed away in 2009.
• Paul Okalik was the first Premier of Nunavut. He was born in Pangnirtung in 1964.
• Abe Okpik was a community leader and politician. He led "Project Surname," which helped Inuit people get last names instead of just numbers. He was born near Aklavik in 1928 and passed away in 1997.
• Mary Simon is a very important politician and diplomat. She was appointed as the Governor General of Canada, representing the King in Canada. She was born in Kangiqsualujjuaq in 1947.
• Peter Taptuna was also a Premier of Nunavut. He was born in Cambridge Bay in 1956.
• Sheila Watt-Cloutier is a well-known politician and activist. She works to protect the rights of Inuit people and raise awareness about climate change. She was born in Kuujjuaq in 1953.

Talented Artists and Performers

Inuit artists are famous around the world for their beautiful carvings, prints, and other creations. Many are also gifted musicians and filmmakers.

• Susan Aglukark is a popular musician. She was born in Churchill in 1967.
• Atuat Akkitirq is a filmmaker and costume designer. She helped start Arnait Video Productions. She was born in Igloolik.
• Madeleine Allakariallak is a musician and television journalist. She was born in Resolute.
• Germaine Arnaktauyok is a well-known printmaker, painter, and drawer. She was born in Igloolik in 1946.
• Alethea Arnaquq-Baril is a talented film producer and director. She was born in Iqaluit.
• Kenojuak Ashevak was a world-renowned artist, famous for her prints and drawings, especially of birds. She was born in Ikirasaqa in 1927 and passed away in 2013.
• Shuvinai Ashoona is an artist known for her unique drawings. She was born in Cape Dorset in 1961.
• Pitseolak Ashoona was a celebrated artist, known for her drawings that show traditional Inuit life. She was born on Nottingham Island around 1904-1908 and passed away in 1983.
• Beatrice Deer is a singer from Quaqtaq, Quebec.
• Elisapie Isaac is a pop singer, broadcaster, documentary filmmaker, and activist. She was born in Salluit in 1977.
• Helen Kalvak was a graphic artist and a traditional healer (angakkuq). She was born near Baillie Island in 1901 and passed away in 1984.
• Zacharias Kunuk is a famous producer and director, known for his award-winning films that tell Inuit stories. He was born in Kapuivik in 1957.
• Lucie Idlout is a singer-songwriter born in 1978.
• Jessie Oonark was a highly respected artist, known for her textile art and drawings. She was born near Chantrey Inlet in 1906 and passed away in 1985.
• Charlie Panigoniak was a beloved singer-songwriter and guitarist. He was born in Chesterfield Inlet in 1946.
• Parr was an artist known for his simple yet powerful drawings of hunting scenes. He was born in Cape Dorset in 1893 and passed away in 1969.
• Annie Pootoogook was an artist known for her contemporary drawings of daily life. She was born in Cape Dorset in 1969 and passed away in 2016.
• Tanya Tagaq is a unique throat singer and artist. She was born in Cambridge Bay in 1975.
• Natar Ungalaaq is an actor, filmmaker, and sculptor. He was born in Igloolik in 1959.

Other Notable Inuit

Inuit people have excelled in many other areas, from sports to preserving their culture.

• Johnny Issaluk is an actor and athlete from Chesterfield Inlet.
• Jordin Tootoo is a famous hockey player. He was the first Inuk player to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born in Churchill in 1983.
• Melissa Haney is the first female Inuk pilot to become a captain. She is from Inukjuak.
• Simon Gibbons was the first Inuk priest. He was born in Forteau in 1851 and passed away in 1896.
• David Pisurayak Kootook was a young hero who saved the life of a pilot after a plane crash in 1972. He was born in Taloyoak in 1958.
• Taamusi Qumaq worked to preserve the Inuit language and traditional culture. He wrote an Inuktitut dictionary and an encyclopedia. He was born near Inukjuak in 1914 and passed away in 1993.
• Joseph Idlout was an Inuk hunter who was featured on the Canadian two-dollar bill. He was born in Pond Inlet and passed away in 1968.