Monica Ell-Kanayuk facts for kids

Monica Inunak Ell-Kanayuk is an important Canadian leader. She worked as a politician and also in broadcasting. She was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut from 2011 to 2017. She also led the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada from 2018 to 2022. Before becoming a politician, she had many interesting jobs. She helped create TV shows at the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation. She also led the Baffin Chamber of Commerce, which helps businesses. And she owned her own sewing company called Arctic Creations.

Monica Ell-Kanayuk's Early Life and Career

Monica Ell-Kanayuk lived in the Iqaluit West area since the 1970s. She had a long career in broadcasting. She worked for the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation as a director. She also spent eighteen years at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Business and Community Leadership

Monica was a leader in the business world too. She was the president of the Baffin Chamber of Commerce. This group helps businesses in the Baffin region. She also led the Nunavut Economic Forum. She was a director for economic development at Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. She also held leadership roles in other organizations like Atuqtuarvik Corp and Pauktuutit.

Monica had a strong passion for designing and sewing clothes. She owned her own sewing company called Arctic Creations. In 1996, her company won the Business of the Year award from the Baffin Chamber of Commerce.

Becoming a Politician

In April 2011, a politician named Paul Okalik left his job in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. This created an open spot for the Iqaluit West area. Monica Ell-Kanayuk decided to run for this position.

Winning the Election

Monica campaigned by going door-to-door. She tried to visit every house in the area. On September 12, 2011, she won the election. She received 230 votes, which was 54% of all the votes. This meant she was elected to represent the Iqaluit West district.

Roles in the Nunavut Government

In the 2013 Nunavut general election, Monica was elected again. This time, she represented the Iqaluit-Manirajak district. She won with 69% of the votes.

Important Government Positions

During her time in the Legislative Assembly, Monica held many important jobs. She was the deputy premier of Nunavut. This is a very high position in the government. She also served as a minister for different areas, including:

• Economic Development and Transportation
• Energy
• Family Services
• Health
• Homelessness
• Mines
• The Qulliq Energy Corporation (which provides power)
• The Status of Women

In the 2017 Nunavut general election, Monica ran for re-election but lost to Adam Lightstone.

Leading the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada

In 2018, Monica Ell-Kanayuk was chosen to be the president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada. She won against another politician named Herbert Nakimayak. She served in this role until 2022. After her, Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk became the new president.

Family Life

Monica Ell-Kanayuk is married to Eeneasie Kanayuk, who is a hunter. They have six children together.