Natan Obed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Natan Obed
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Obed in 2016
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| 15th President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami | |
| Assumed office September 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Terry Audla |
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| Born | 1975/1976 (age 48–49) Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Alma mater | Tufts University |
Natan Obed is an important leader for Inuit people in Canada. He has been the president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) since September 2015. This organization works to protect the rights and interests of Inuit across Canada.
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Natan Obed's Early Life
Natan Obed was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. However, he grew up in Nain, Nunatsiavut, which he considers his true hometown. When he was a teenager, he moved to Maine in the United States with his mother.
Education and Early Career
Natan Obed received a scholarship to attend Tufts University in Boston, USA. He studied English and American Studies there. After finishing college, he returned to Canada. He worked for the Labrador Inuit Association. He also served as the Director of Social and Cultural Development for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. This group represents the rights of Inuit in Nunavut.
Natan Obed's Political Journey
In 2008, Natan Obed ran for president in Nunatsiavut's first election for that role. He was not elected at that time.
Leading the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
On September 17, 2015, Natan Obed was elected president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK). This is a very important national organization. It speaks for all Inuit people across Canada. As president, Obed often talks about important issues that affect the Arctic and Inuit communities.
Important Issues Natan Obed Addresses
Natan Obed has spoken out about several key topics. He has discussed the need to change names that are harmful to Indigenous cultures. He has also highlighted how news coverage sometimes misses important details about government apologies for past mistreatment of Inuit. Additionally, he has addressed serious health and well-being challenges faced by Inuit communities.
Climate Change and Future Plans
In 2016, Natan Obed wrote a report called "Inuit Priorities for Canada's Climate Strategy: A Canadian Inuit Vision for Our Common Future in Our Homelands." This report shared ideas from Inuit people on how Canada should deal with climate change. In 2019, the Canadian government promised $1 million to help put these ideas into action.
Recognition and Family Life
In 2018, Maclean's magazine recognized Natan Obed as one of five politicians to watch. He currently lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut, with his wife and their two sons.
