MakeWay congratulates board director Nancy Uqquujuq Karetak-Lindell on being appointed the Order of Canada for her commitment to bringing northern and Inuit voices to Parliament.
Of Arviat, Nunavut, Nancy was elected as an MP (Nunavut’s first MP and first female MP for the Eastern Arctic) – in 1997. She was re-elected easily in the 2000, 2004 and 2006 elections.
“I come from a family that was taught to help others and to do it with care and love and respect, without looking to be recognized for it. So to think that people feel that I have deserved to be given this Order of Canada is a real honour,” “And of course, being Inuk, it means that much more with the Governor-General of today being an Inuk, too.” Said Nancy.
She was born in Eskimo Point, Northwest Territories, now Arviat, Nunavut and is of Inuit descent. She is a single mother of four sons (Jackson, Amauyaq, KV and Nooks). She was the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources in 2003. She also served as the chair and vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, a member of the Liaison Committee, an associate member of both the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage and the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. She has dedicated years of volunteer work on many boards of directors for organizations, including MakeWay where she is a director of the board since 2021.
“On behalf of the entire MakeWay community, board colleagues, staff, and partners, we celebrate the incredible contributions that Nancy Karetak-Lindell has made for nature and communities in the North and across this country. We are also deeply grateful for her leadership here at MakeWay” said Joanna Kerr, CEO and President of MakeWay.
The Order of Canada is one of the highest honours in the country and recognizes Canadians whose service has helped shape society, who have spearheaded innovation, and who have shown compassion within their communities.
