About Us
For over 40 years, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada has been a powerful voice for Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse Inuit, working to improve their social, cultural, and economic well-being. Guided by a board of directors representing Inuit regions and urban communities across Canada, we advocate for systemic change at all levels of government.
Our work is driven by six strategic priorities:
Increase our impact and accountability to Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse Inuit by aligning all work around focused policy advocacy priorities.
Be a national leader in mobilizing Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse Inuit knowledge and improving data about their lives.
Embody Piruqsaijiit with a focus on developing and empowering the next generation of Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse leaders.
Strengthen partnerships to build collective capacity and advance shared priorities.
Actively promote, pursue and secure the human and legal rights of Inuit women, girls and gender-diverse Inuit.
Diversify and align funding around strategic priorities to increase our impact.
Why we are named Pauktuutit
Before European contact, Inuit were entirely self-sufficient, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering to meet their needs. Women’s skill in processing the hunt into clothing, shelter, and tools was essential for survival.
A crucial tool in this process was the pauktuutiit—stakes used to stretch hides during preparation. These stakes needed to be solid, flexible, stable, unbreakable, gentle, and strong.
Our organization, Pauktuutit, takes its name from this essential tool, reflecting the same qualities required to uphold Inuit values and traditions. The women who founded the organization were all solid, flexible, stable, gentle, and strong… and their spirits were unbreakable.
Board of Directors
Our Board Members are the heart of Pauktuutit, they represent the diverse communities across Inuit Nunangat. These remarkable women guide our work by sharing their lived experiences and the unique needs and perspectives of their communities. Their dedication, advocacy, and knowledge are instrumental in empowering Inuit women, children, and gender-diverse individuals across each region.
Board Membership
Inuvialuit – Crystal Lennie
Nunavik, Hudson – Vacant
Nunavik, Ungava – Vacant
Nunatsiavut – Vanessa ‘Sissy’ Webb
Youth, Inuit Nunangat – Kailey Webb-Nochasak
Nunavut, Kitikmeot – Josephine Tucktoo
Nunavut, Kivalliq – Nancy Uluadluak–Gibbons
Nunavut, Qikiqtani North – Laisa Audlaluk-Watsko
Nunavut, Qikiqtani South – Lois (Looee) Mike
Nunavut, Iqaluit – Leonie Qaumariaq
Urban, Yellowknife – Louisa Alunik
Urban, South-West – Melynda Ehaloak
Urban, South-East – Vacant
Urban, Happy Valley-Goose Bay – Abby Webb
Youth, Urban – Rhea Muckpah-Gavin
Join our Board
Inuit women in Canada who want to be Pauktuutit board members can submit their nomination form for vacant positions at any time.
Elections will be held at our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), on September 22-23, 2025, in Winnipeg, Man. in the following regions: Nunavik – Ungava, Nunavik – Hudson, Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut – Iqaluit, and four Urban regions including South West, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Yellowknife and one urban Youth representative.
Pauktuutit’s Board of Directors is responsible for directing the organization by meeting virtually and in-person, with expenses covered.
Please submit nominations by email to communications@pauktuutit.ca before
5:00 pm, EDT, on September 5, 2025.
Board of Directors nomination information and forms are available here:
Governance
Pauktuutit is committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in all our operations.
Our governance framework provides the foundation for effective decision-making and ensures that we meet the needs of those we represent. Our bylaws define our organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities. These guiding principles foster an inclusive environment that upholds Pauktuutit’s mission and values.
Interim President and CEO - Nancy Etok
As the Vice-Principal of Ulluriaq School in her community, Nancy is passionate about empowering youth and fostering leadership rooted in Inuit values.
She finds joy and strength in the simple pleasures of Inuit life: camping, ice fishing, and sharing time with her husband, children, and the youth in her community. These moments, deeply tied to our culture, remind her of what matters most—connection, purpose, and the power of community. “Our culture is beautiful and simple,” Nancy says. “It’s about being human, a happy human. The way we eat, the way we live, it brings joy and keeps me grounded.”
Under Nancy’s leadership, Pauktuutit continues its mission of advocating for Inuit women and gender-diverse Inuit and building a future where our culture and traditions guide us with strength, pride, and unity.
Our Team
Our team of dedicated advocates and experts work together to support and uplift Inuit women, children, and families. Rooted in cultural knowledge and a deep commitment to meaningful change, we bring passion and experience to everything we do.
Executive
Nancy Etok
Interim President and CEO
Policy & Programs
Communications
General Inquiries
communications@pauktuutit.ca
Human Resources
Finance & Administration
Join our Team
At Pauktuutit you can take an active role in changing the lives of Inuit women, girls and gender diverse Inuit.