Former Nunakput MLA Herb Nakimayak will be the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada’s interim president until next summer, the organization announced on Wednesday.
Nakimayak was previously ICC Canada’s vice-president of international affairs.
His appointment will last until the next ICC Canada election, which is scheduled for the summer of 2026.
He replaces Natan Obed, who had been acting president after Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk tendered her resignation from the president’s office at the start of the year.
At the time, ICC Canada said she had resigned “to pursue her next chapter of advocacy work for Inuit interests.”
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“President Nakimayak brings a wealth of leadership and governance experience to the role, having served as an MLA, chair of the Joint Secretariat, and through his extensive work on marine management issues in the Western Arctic,” ICC Canada stated on Wednesday.
“The transition of leadership will take effect following the conclusion of the annual general meeting in Cambridge Bay. ICC Canada extends its gratitude to Natan Obed for his dedicated service as acting president over the past eight months.”
Nakimayak said he was taking over at “an important moment in history as ICC’s work grows in significance within today’s geopolitical landscape.”
“I look forward to working with Inuit leaders, youth and communities to strengthen our connections and ensure Inuit voices are heard clearly on the international stage,” he was quoted as saying.
The Inuit Circumpolar Council was founded in 1977 to unify Inuit from Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Russia. ICC Canada represent the interests of Canadian Inuit on the ICC’s executive council and in international matters.
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