Thomas Suluk facts for kids

Thomas Suluk (Inuktitut: ᑖᒪᔅ ᓱᓗᒃ) was an important Canadian politician. He was born on March 14, 1950, and passed away on October 13, 2018. He represented the area of Nunatsiaq in Canada's Parliament. He was a Member of Parliament from 1984 to 1988. He belonged to the Progressive Conservative Party.

Thomas Suluk's Life and Work

Early Life and Education

Thomas Suluk was born in a place called Arviat. At that time, Arviat was part of the Northwest Territories. He went to a special school called Arthur Turner Anglican Theological School. This school was in Pangnirtung, on Baffin Island.

After finishing school, Thomas was going to work in Apex, Iqaluit. He was planning to become a priest. But he was only 22 years old. He was too young to become a priest at that time.

Getting Involved in Politics

Instead of waiting, Thomas decided to get into politics. This was a time when Inuit people were learning more about their rights. They were also learning about land claims. Land claims are about who owns and controls land.

Thomas started working in his local town council office. He then moved on to work for Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. This group works to protect the rights and interests of Inuit people in Canada. Thomas was interested in helping his community on bigger issues.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

For a short time, Thomas Suluk worked as a radio announcer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Then, in the 1984 federal election, he won a seat in the House of Commons of Canada. This is where Canada's laws are made. He represented the electoral district of Nunatsiaq. Today, this area is known as Nunavut.

His election was very close. He was a candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party. He won against the Liberal Party candidate, Robert Kuptana, by only 247 votes.

Focus on Land Claims

While he was in Parliament, Thomas Suluk focused on land claims issues in Nunavut. He worked with the Tungavik Federation of Nunavut. This group was very important. It was responsible for talking about land claims and treaties for the Inuit people. Today, this organization is called Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

Thomas Suluk did not run for re-election in the next election.

After Politics

After his time in politics, Thomas Suluk opened a coffee shop in Arviat. In 2008, he was working on an important health survey for Inuit people.