Nancy Karetak-Lindell facts for kids

Nancy Uqquujuq Karetak-Lindell (born December 10, 1957) is an important Canadian politician. She is currently a Senator for Nunavut. Senators are like special representatives who help make laws for Canada. Before becoming a Senator, she was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Canadian House of Commons. She served as an MP from 1997 to 2008.

Nancy Karetak-Lindell's Early Life and Work

Nancy Karetak-Lindell was born in Eskimo Point. This place is now known as Arviat, in Nunavut. She is an Inuit person.

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

From 2009 to 2012, she was a director for the Jane Glassco Arctic Fellowship Program. This program helps young leaders in the Arctic. She also led the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada. This group works for Inuit people around the Arctic.

Nancy has helped with many elections for Inuit organizations. She also worked for Elections Nunavut. This group organizes elections in Nunavut.

She has been part of many important boards. These include the Nunavut Development Corporation and the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation. She also served on the board for the Kivalliq Inuit Association. This group supports Inuit people in the Kivalliq region.

Nancy also helped guide colleges like Thebacha College. This college later became Nunavut Arctic College. Currently, she is on the board for Nunavut Trust and Polar Knowledge Canada. She also helps with the Task Force on Women in the Economy.

Nancy Karetak-Lindell's Political Journey

Nancy Karetak-Lindell first ran for a seat in the House of Commons of Canada in 1997. She was a candidate for the Liberal Party. She ran in the area called Nunavut.

She won the election and became the first female MP for the Eastern Arctic. An MP is a Member of Parliament. They represent their community in the Canadian government.

Nancy was re-elected three more times. She won elections in 2000, 2004, and 2006.

In 2003, she was a special assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources. She also led or helped lead important committees. These included the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. This committee works on issues important to Indigenous peoples.

She also served on committees for Fisheries and Oceans. She was also involved in committees about Canadian Heritage and Human Resources.

Nancy won her seat again in the 2006 election. However, she later decided not to run in the 2008 election. She wanted to spend more time with her family. She also wanted to care for her elderly parents.

Becoming a Senator

On December 19, 2024, Nancy Karetak-Lindell was asked to join the Senate of Canada. This request came from Governor General Mary Simon. The Governor General acts on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Senators are appointed, not elected. They review laws and speak for different regions of Canada.

Nancy Karetak-Lindell's Personal Life and Achievements

Nancy Karetak-Lindell has 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 a big difference in Canada.