Nancy Karetak-Lindell facts for kids

Nancy Uqquujuq Karetak-Lindell is an important Canadian politician. She was born on December 10, 1957. She is currently a Senator for Nunavut, a role she started in December 2024. Before becoming a Senator, she was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Canadian House of Commons from 1997 to 2008.

Senator Karetak-Lindell is part of the Independent Senators Group. This group is made up of Senators who do not belong to a specific political party.

Early Life and Community Work

Nancy Karetak-Lindell was born in a place called Eskimo Point, which is now known as Arviat, in Nunavut. She is Inuk, meaning she is a member of the Indigenous people of the Arctic.

Before she became a politician, Nancy worked as a financial comptroller. This means she managed money and finances for organizations. She also served as a councillor for her local community in Arviat. She helped make decisions for the town and for the local education system.

Nancy was also the director of the Jane Glassco Arctic Fellowship Program from 2009 to 2012. This program helps young leaders from the Arctic. She also led the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, an organization that represents Inuit people across the Arctic. She has helped with many elections for Inuit organizations and worked for Elections Nunavut.

Nancy has been a board member for many important groups. These include the Nunavut Development Corporation and the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, which help businesses in Nunavut. She also served on boards for the Kivalliq Inuit Association, Katimavik, and several power and college companies. Currently, she is on the board for Nunavut Trust and Polar Knowledge Canada. She is also a member of the Task Force on Women in the Economy, which works to improve economic opportunities for women.

Political Career in the House of Commons

Nancy Karetak-Lindell first ran for a seat in the House of Commons of Canada in 1997. She ran as a candidate for the Liberal Party. She won the election for the area of Nunavut. This made her the first female Member of Parliament from the Eastern Arctic region.

She was re-elected as an MP three more times. She won elections in 2000, 2004, and 2006. This shows that people in Nunavut trusted her to represent them.

In 2003, she became the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources. This role meant she helped the Minister with their duties. She also led or co-led important committees in Parliament. One of these was the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. This committee focused on issues important to Indigenous peoples and northern communities.

After serving for many years, Nancy Karetak-Lindell decided not to run for re-election in 2008. She wanted to spend more time with her family and care for her parents.

Becoming a Senator

On December 19, 2024, Nancy Karetak-Lindell was asked to join the Senate of Canada. The Governor General, Mary Simon, officially appointed her. This appointment was made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As a Senator, she continues to represent Nunavut and contribute to Canadian laws and policies.

Personal Life and Recognition

Nancy Karetak-Lindell is a mother to four sons.

In 2022, she received a special honor. She was named a Member of the Order of Canada. This award recognizes people who have made great contributions to Canada.