Honouring Rosemary Cooper: A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Pauktuutit extends its deepest gratitude to Rosemary Cooper for her contributions and unwavering dedication as she retires this month.
Earlier this year, Pauktuutit announced that our CEO, Rosemary Cooper, following a wonderful career lending her voice to advocating for Inuit, the last nine years with our team, will be retiring effective March 28, 2025.
As Pauktuutit’s first Inuit CEO, Rosemary’s vision has been deeply rooted in her experiences as an Inuk woman and those of her community. The call to action from the grandmothers who formed Pauktuutit was embraced by Rosemary in early board resolutions, making history with changes in shelter and transitional housing for Inuit Nunangat and Urban centres. Pauktuutit played an important role under her leadership, advocating with our partners and the Advisory Committee to support women impacted by violence.
Under Rosemary’s leadership, Pauktuutit developed some of the most important connections in communities through program implementations. It is as a result of Pauktuutit’s history within the regions that the organization has undergone its latest transformation to include a focus on Policy and Advocacy. This evolution is captured in the development of Pauktuutit’s first strategic plan as one of her first actions as Executive Director. Under the umberella of this plan, Pauktuutit developed early strategies for amplifying and empowering Inuit voices, a cornerstone of the current strategic plan launched in her last year as Pauktuutit’s leader.
Rosemary’s vision for developing capacity has been instrumental to the projects we’ve undertaken and in expanding the engagement of Inuit leaders, not only in numbers, but also expanding leadership of Inuit in governing Pauktuutit’s work as we do with our Board of Directors. Her influence will have a lasting impact in elevating the voice of Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse Inuit through advocacy, partnerships and knowledge mobilization.
We are deeply grateful for Rosemary’s time with Pauktuutit and will be cheering her on as she makes this life change. We know that there is a strong possibility that we’ll see her in the advocacy arena, as in addition to family and crafts, advocacy has been an anchor for her as an Inuk woman.
Welcoming Nikki Komaksiutiksak, President and CEO: A New Era of Inuit Leadership
We are pleased to announce the outcome of our search for our next President and CEO. 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.
Nikki carries her Inuk heritage with pride and strength, preserving her cultural identity and acting as an unwavering champion for Inuit. Her deep understanding of the reality for Inuit in Canada has been the backbone of her work in helping Inuit navigate life challenges, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her passion for her culture runs deep—she is an experienced throat singer, a teacher of Inuit history and culture, and a soulful musical performer. Through her artistry and wisdom, Nikki touches the lives of people from all walks of life and has already had impact far beyond her roots.
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.
Nikki’s past has positioned her perfectly for her role with Pauktuutit at this time. In her last role as the founding member and dynamic CEO of Tunngasugit Inc., Western Canada’s first Inuit Resource Centre based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Nikki has paved the way for Inuit people seeking connection and support in urban spaces. She brings uniquely relevant leadership and cultural depth whether as part of her prior role, as a performer, a teacher at the University of Manitoba, or in representing her province and community internationally – she has left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege to learn from her.
Nikki’s life journey is an excellent reflection of what is possible for all Inuit women, girls and gender-diverse Inuit. She is uniquely positioned to usher Pauktuutit into the next evolution with her voice mirroring the strategic vision of Pauktuutit to develop a future where Inuit women have equal access to health, social, and economic development, and justice, all rooted in their cultural values and practices, and that they are empowered to maintain and celebrate their cultural identity while contributing to the well-being of their communities. With over ten years of senior and executive level experience, Nikki is Pauktuutit’s choice for leadership and represents the opportunities the organization has identified for Inuit women, girls and gender-diverse Inuit.
“Nikki is a wonderful addition to a line of great Inuit women that Pauktuutit has been privileged to have leading for change,” said Pauktuutit’s Board Chair, Nancy Etok. She picks up the transformation journey that will empower Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse Inuit through leadership development and opportunities to advance self-determination.
Her expertise in strategic planning, governance, community development, and financial stewardship, and collaborating with Indigenous communities, governments, partners to lead initiatives that empower communities, foster strength, and secure a future where Inuit thrive, is of immediate value to Pauktuutit’s future.
In her new role, Nikki is the face and voice of Pauktuutit, carrying forward the Policy and Advocacy journey, building partnerships and moving from strength to strength in delivering Pauktuutit’s vision both externally and in developing Inuit capacity within the organization.
Welcoming Joseph Phillips, VP of Operations: Driving Excellence in Operations
The success of our CEO will be more ensured with strong internal governance, and the effectiveness of our Pauktuutit team. Pauktuutit employs a small but mighty team, with Joseph Phillips undertaking direct oversight as Vice President of Operations. Joseph joins Pauktuutit with over fifteen years of experience leading and enabling teams across Indigenous organizations, government, and non-profit sectors. His passion for coaching and empowering people to do what they do best is a welcome addition to Pauktuutit’s environment.
In the role of Vice President of Operations, Joseph reports directly to the CEO, and guided by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit will lead the Pauktuutit team in our transformational efforts to deliver on our strategic plan. Pauktuutit added this senior operations role two years ago as critical to our senior leadership team. In the last two years, the team focused on putting the basics in place with a focus on gaining efficiencies to fuel the future.
Joseph will bring forward his passion for getting to the heart of the barriers to individual and team success and his ability to play to the strengths of his team will be instrumental in building workspaces where the team can thrive. Joseph will also be key to Pauktuutit’s ability to optimize plans to build capacity for Inuit and non-Inuit employees, to deliver the best in culturally appropriate spaces.
This next step in Pauktuutit’s strategic transformation is only possible if employees know that they can do their best work every day. “Our team is passionate about the work that they do. My job is to ensure that, day in and day out, they trust that our leadership supports that passion and empowers them to go above and beyond. When that happens, the possibilities are endless.” Joseph says.
A respected leader and problem solver, Joseph joins Pauktuutit with expertise working with Indigenous communities, organizations, associations at Executive levels in politics, governance, business/economic development, education and consulting. His work helping Canadian corporations and organizations embed Reconciliation and the TRC’s Calls to Action in their short and long-term endeavors as well as lived experience as an Indigenous employee, ensures shared knowledge on Indigenous matters, including Traditional Knowledge. He joins Pauktuutit with a Master’s in higher education and a Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Innovation from Schulich School ExecEd, York University.
It has been an eventful year, and while we are sad to see the end of one chapter with Rosemary’s departure, Pauktuutit is indeed fortunate to have Joseph and Nikki continue this very important calling that we all share.
For media inquiries, please contact us at communications@pauktuutit.ca
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Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is the national non-profit organization representing all Inuit women in Canada. Its mission is to foster a greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women and gender-diverse people to encourage their participation in community, regional and national concerns in relation to social, cultural and economic development.