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.Â
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
Urban, Happy Valley-Goose Bay – Abby Webb
Nunatsiavut – Vanessa ‘Sissy’ Webb
Nunavik, Ungava – Nancy Etok
Nunavik, Hudson – Vancant
Nunavut, Iqaluit – Vacant
Qikiqtani South – Lois (Looee) Mike
Qikiqtani North – Laisa Audlaluk-Watsko
Kivalliq – Nancy Uluadluak–Gibbons
Kitikmeot – Josephine Tucktoo
Inuvialuit – Kourtney Wolkie
Urban, Yellowknife – Louisa Alunik
Urban, South-East – Priscilla Kukshuk
Urban, South-West – Lillian Lundrigan
Youth, Inuit Nunangat – Kailey Webb-Nochasak
Youth, Urban – Paige Kimiksana-Kreps
Chair – Nancy Etok, Nunavik, Ungava
Vice Chair – Lois (Looee) Mike, Qikiqtani South
Secretary-Treasurer – Paige Kimiksana-Kreps, Youth, Urban
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.
Pauktuutit’s Board of Directors is responsible for directing the organization by meeting virtually and in-person, with expenses covered.
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.
Meet our CEO - Nikki Komaksiutiksak
Nikki Komaksiutiksak is a force to be reckoned with—an incredible Inuk woman from the heart of Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut. Nikki has been keenly supporting Pauktuutit’s work as an Inuk Woman and is excited to take on the role with Pauktuutit. Pauktuutit recognized Nikki’s potential when she was named Inuk Woman of the Year in 2023, and now she has come full circle as she joins the senior leadership team. Nikki’s story is one of resourcefulness, strength, and unyielding love for her people. Her work thus far serves as a beacon of inspiration to all—young and old—demonstrating the power of cultural pride, advocacy, and the importance of community. Her voice, both literal and metaphorical, will continue to amplify Inuit identity and shape a brighter future for generations to come.
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
Chair of the Board of Directors
Policy & Programs
Stephanie Nirlungayuk
Policy Analyst – Violence, Abuse Prevention and Justice
Shayla Claringbold
Policy Analyst – Violence, Abuse Prevention and Justice
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.
Manager of Communications – Ottawa, Ontario (Hybrid)
Reporting to the VP of Operations, the Manager of Communications is responsible for developing and executing effective communication and engagement strategies in support of Pauktuutit’s vision and strategic priorities.