FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2020
OTTAWA – During the week of February 24th, 2019, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada held its AGM and Board of Directors meetings, attended by members of its Board of Directors, invited delegates and guests. The Board was pleased to welcome several Cabinet Ministers and other special guests.
In addition to regular business, discussions focused on next steps in the co-development of a national action plan to address violence against Inuit women and girls and featured a celebration of culture with a performance by the Nunavut Sivuniksavut students and a stunning fashion show presented by Martha Kyak.
Elections were also held for 11 Board positions. Congratulations are extended to the returning members: Rebecca Kudloo, Anne Curley, Laura Churchill, Alyssa Carpenter, Anita Pokiak, Martha Flaherty, Gerri Sharpe and Charlotte Wolfrey. The Board congratulates and welcomes new Directors Brenda Epoo, Nunavik Hudson Coast, Nancy Mike, Iqaluit and Malaya Zehr representing urban Inuit women. Pauktuutit extends its deep appreciation for the commitment and contributions of departing Board members Geela Maniapik, Parniga Akeeagok, Billie Jo Barnes, Pasha Arngaq, Annie Buchan and Leena Metuq. It has been a great pleasure working with all of you. Resolutions from this year’s AGM will be made available on our website shortly.
Rebecca Kudloo was acclaimed as President for another term until the 2023 Annual General Meeting. She expressed her appreciation for the ongoing support of the Board and her determination to represent the voices and priorities of all Inuit women across Canada. Gerri Sharpe of Yellowknife as elected Vice-President. Both terms run to 2023.
Many talented and community-focused women from across Inuit Nunangat were nominated for Woman of the Year, with the recognition ultimately being given to Hanna Tooktoo from Kuujjuaq, Nunavik. During the summer of 2019, despite never having biked before, Hannah was inspired to spend seven weeks biking across Canada from Victoria, BC, to Montreal, QC, to raise awareness about suicide and to let her family, friends and community members that their lives matter. Hannah’s journey across Canada also raised $10,000 for a local organization in her community. Hannah is an inspiration to all who meet her and to the Pauktuutit Board of Directors.
Pauktuutit is the national non-profit organization representing all Inuit women in Canada. Its mandate is to foster a greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, and to encourage their participation in community, regional and national concerns in relation to social, cultural and economic development.
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Media inquiries
Antoinette Brind’Amour, Director of Communications
abrindamour@pauktuutit.ca / 613-238-3977 x267 Cell.: (613) 316-8943