Tagak Curley facts for kids

Tagak Curley CM was born in 1944. He is an Inuk leader, politician, and businessman from Nunavut, Canada. He was born in a hunting camp near Coral Harbour, which was then part of the Northwest Territories. Today, Coral Harbour is in Nunavut.

Tagak Curley played a very important role in the talks that led to Nunavut becoming its own territory. Because of his efforts, many people consider him a "living Father of Confederation" for Canada. This means he helped shape Canada, much like the original Fathers of Confederation did when Canada was formed.

Tagak Curley's Work and Leadership

Early Career and Community Work

From 1966 to 1970, Tagak Curley worked for the Canadian government. He was a development officer with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. This job helped him see what was needed in Inuit communities.

Because of his experiences, Curley became very active in politics. He took on leadership roles in local communities. His goal was to help improve living conditions for Inuit people across Nunavut.

From 1970 to 1971, Curley managed the settlement of Repulse Bay. He also worked as an editor for the Keewatin Echo. This was the first newspaper in Canada to be printed in both English and Inuktitut.

Founding Inuit Organizations

In 1971, Tagak Curley helped start the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK). He became its first president. ITK was created so that Inuit people in Nunavut could have their own organization to represent them.

While leading ITK, Curley was part of a special committee. This committee worked on the Inuit Land Use and Occupancy Project. This project was very important. It helped lay the groundwork for the Nunavut land claim. A land claim is an agreement about who owns and uses land.

Curley also held leadership roles in other important organizations. These included the Inuit Cultural Institute. He also worked with the Inuit Development Corporation. This group helps with economic development for Inuit. It is now known as Nunasi Corporation. He also worked with the Nunavut Construction Corporation.

Serving in Government

From 1979 to 1987, Tagak Curley was a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. At that time, Nunavut was still part of the Northwest Territories.

While in government, he held several important jobs. He was a minister for economic development. He also served as minister of Mines and Resources Secretariat. From 1984 to 1987, he was minister of public utilities. In 1986 and 1987, he was minister of government services.

Return to Politics in Nunavut

In the 2004 Nunavut general election, Curley was elected without opposition. He became the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Rankin Inlet North. He decided to return to politics to make local government better for his community.

After the election, Curley wanted to become the Premier of Nunavut. The Premier is like the leader of the government. He challenged Paul Okalik for the position. However, the Legislative Assembly did not elect him as Premier.

Other Contributions and Recognition

In 1998, Tagak Curley received a special award. It was called the Aboriginal Lifetime Achievement award. This award recognized his important work and leadership in business.

In October 2003, Curley received the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. In 2015, he also received the Order of Nunavut.

In 2008, Curley appeared in a documentary film called Passage. In the film, he challenged old ideas from the 1800s. These ideas suggested that Inuit people were responsible for signs of cannibalism among the members of Franklin's lost expedition. This expedition was a famous journey through the Northwest Passage that ended badly.