MAY 26, 1964

PAUL OKALIK BORN–1^ST INUK BAR MEMBER AND 1^ST PREMIER OF NUNAVUT

Okalik, born in Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories (NWT), attended high school in Frobisher Bay (now Iqaluit). In the 1980s, as Special Assistant to the President of Tungavik Federation of Nunavut, Paul helped negotiate the 1993 Nunavut Land Claim Agreement. He then earned a bachelor’s degree from Carleton University & law degree from University of Ottawa. In February 1999, Paul became NWT’s 1st Inuk lawyer, was elected to Nunavut’s 1^st Legislative Assembly, and selected by that body as Nunavut’s 1^st Premier, a post he held until 2008. Okalik helped create the Inuit Heritage Trust and Nunavut’s Implementation Training Committee, Social Development Council & Wildlife Management Board. After losing a bid for Parliament, Paul returned to the Assembly from 2013-17. While also Justice Minister, he resigned in 2016 over Nunavut’s alcohol sale plan. Okalik received a 2015 Indspire Award. In 2018, Paul published his autobiography, Let’s Move On: Paul Okalik Speaks Out.

Sources:

Gurston Dacks, Lorraine Snyder, “Paul Okalik,” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2/3/2010, update by Michelle Felice, 2/2/2017.  Retrieved 2/5/2023.  Retrieved 2/5/2023, Paul Okalik | The Canadian Encyclopedia

“Paul Okalik,” 2003 Western Premiers' Conference.  Retrieved 2/5/2023, Paul Okalik - 2003 Western Premiers' Conference (archive.org)

Wikipedia

Photo:  CambridgeBayWeather, 1/17/2001.  Public Domain.