Mark Evaloarjuk facts for kids

Mark Evaloarjuk (born Evaluarjuk; 1937 – July 3, 2002) was an important leader and politician from Igloolik, Nunavut, in northern Canada. He helped start many businesses and served as a member of the Northwest Territories Legislature from 1975 to 1983. He was also the President of Arctic Cooperatives Ltd., which helps people work together to run businesses. In 1981, he was given the Order of Canada, which is a very high honor for Canadians.

Early Political Life

Mark Evaluarjuk first became a politician in 1975. He was elected to the Northwest Territories Legislature in the 1975 Northwest Territories general election. He won the election for a new area called Foxe Basin. He was elected again for a second time in the 1979 Northwest Territories general election.

Honored with the Order of Canada

On June 22, 1981, Mark Evaloarjuk was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This award recognized his great work in bringing the idea of "cooperatives" to the Canadian Arctic. Cooperatives are businesses owned and run by their members, who share the profits. He helped create many jobs for Indigenous Canadians through these cooperatives.

Later Political Career

Evaloarjuk ran for office again in the 1995 Northwest Territories general election. He won against the person who was already in office, Titus Allooloo, to represent the Amittuq area. He served one term in the Legislative Assembly. His area changed in 1999 when Nunavut became a new territory, separate from the Northwest Territories.

After this, he ran in the first election for Nunavut. He ran in the new Amittuq area but was defeated by Enoki Irqittuq.

After Politics

After leaving politics, Mark Evaloarjuk became the Vice President of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. This group works to protect the rights and interests of Inuit people in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut. He passed away from cancer in Ottawa on July 3, 2002.