Willie Nakoolak’s NTI presidential bid focuses on youth and living costs

Nunatsiaq News is publishing profiles of the 10 candidates in Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s May 27 presidential byelection.

Willie Nakoolak is running to lead Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., saying his decades of community work and leadership experience have prepared him to support families, youth and elders across the territory.

The 62-year-old deputy mayor of Coral Harbour said his decision to enter the race came after years of consideration.

“This time, maybe I’ll just try — just to see what will happen,” he said in an interview.

Nakoolak is one of 10 candidates in NTI’s presidential byelection, scheduled for May 27. The vote will select a replacement for Jeremy Tunraluk, who resigned as president in January.

Nakoolak said he is not campaigning on an extensive platform but rather a small number of priorities focused on social supports.

He pointed to what he described as gaps in services for youth, including the number of children sent south for foster care.

“They need to be in their communities, around family, their people, culture, instead of being traumatized by being in foster care,” he said. “They lose their identity being in the south and have a hard time as adults.”

Nakoolak said he would like to see NTI support the development of group homes and small shelters in Nunavut for children and young adults in crisis.

“We don’t need to lose any more youth,” he said. “Money should be [invested] in Nunavut, not in the south.” 

He also identified the cost of living and food insecurity as key concerns, suggesting increased support for local food banks. 

Nakoolak served as mayor of Coral Harbour after a 2014 byelection and returned as interim mayor in 2024 before running for mayor again later that year. He did not win that election and is now deputy mayor.

His experience includes four years on the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, where he served as chair in 2010, and more than 15 years with the Aiviit Hunters and Trappers Organization. 

He is currently chair of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, which advises government on Inuit values.

Nakoolak said his approach to leadership is to work within established systems. 

“When I become a chairperson or a leader, I don’t attempt to change things,” he said. “I just do what the policies or bylaws say.”

Nakoolak said he does not view the race in competitive terms, but as an opportunity to contribute.

“There are a lot of experienced people running and most of them have been with NTI,” said Nakoolak. “It’s a big challenge but I would like to sit with NTI board and learn more from them.”