Tagak Curley facts for kids

Tagak Curley (born 1944) is an important Inuit leader, politician, and businessman from Nunavut. He played a big part in creating Nunavut. Because of his work, many people see him as a modern-day Father of Confederation in Canada. He was born in a hunting camp near Coral Harbour, which is now in Nunavut.

Tagak Curley's Journey

Early Life and Beginnings

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. His experiences made him want to help his community.

He became active in local politics. He worked to make life better for Inuit people in communities across Nunavut. From 1970 to 1971, he managed the settlement of Repulse Bay.

Working for His People

Tagak Curley was also the editor of the Keewatin Echo. This was the first newspaper in Canada to be printed in both English and Inuktitut.

In 1971, he helped start the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK). He was its first president. ITK was created so that Inuit people in Nunavut could have their own organization. It would speak for their interests.

While leading ITK, Curley helped with the Inuit Land Use and Occupancy Project. This project gathered important information. It became the basis for the land claim that led to Nunavut.

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 Inuit businesses grow. It is now known as Nunasi Corporation. He also worked for the Nunavut Construction Corporation.

Political Career

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

While in government, he held several important jobs. He was the minister of economic development. He also served as minister of Mines and Resources Secretariat. From 1984 to 1987, he was minister of public utilities. In 1986-87, he was minister of government services.

He also ran in the 1979 federal election. He was a candidate for the Liberal Party. He ran in the Nunatsiaq area, which is now Nunavut. He came in second place.

Important Achievements

After the Nunavut Act was passed, Curley worked for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI). This organization represents the Inuit of Nunavut. It works under the Nunavut land claim agreement.

In 1998, Tagak Curley received a special award. He was given the Aboriginal Lifetime Achievement award. This was for his leadership and contributions to business. In October 2003, he received the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors.

In the 2004 Nunavut general election, Curley was elected without opposition. He became the MLA for Rankin Inlet North. He returned to politics to make local government better for his community.

After the election, he tried to become the premier of Nunavut. However, the Legislative Assembly did not elect him.

In 2008, he appeared in a documentary film called Passage. In the film, he spoke about old claims from the 1800s. These claims suggested the Inuit were responsible for certain events during a lost expedition. Curley challenged these old beliefs.

In 2015, Tagak Curley received another high honor. He was awarded the Order of Nunavut.