10 candidates put their names forward
for NTI presidential byelection
Former president’s January resignation triggers May 27 vote
Ten candidates put their names forward to run for NTI’s top job in a May 27 byelection called to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of its former president. NTI published its list of unofficial candidates Tuesday night. (File photo)
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. published the list of candidates for next month’s presidential byelection, with 10 people vying for the organization’s top job.
The unofficial list was published online Tuesday night. Candidates will have until Friday at 5 p.m. to withdraw from the election, which is set for May 27.
Candidates are:
- Samuel Alagalak
- Okalik Eegeesiak
- Paul Irngaut
- Jerry Komaksiutiksak
- Andrew Nakashuk
- Willie Nakoolak
- Jerry Natanine
- Cathy Towtongie
- Jeremy Tunraluk
- Gloria Uluqsi
NTI is the legal representative for Inuit beneficiaries in Nunavut. It is responsible for ensuring promises set out in the Nunavut Agreement are carried out by the federal and territorial governments.
The organization called the byelection in January to fill the vacancy created by Jeremy Tunraluk’s resignation in January. At that time, NTI said the presidential byelection would be held in December, coinciding with a scheduled election for vice-president.
But its membership and board of directors later made a decision in March to move the date up to May 27.
Tunraluk, who was elected in December 2024, had been president for about a year when Iqaluit RCMP charged him with a single count of assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm in December 2025.
That charge was stayed during Tunraluk’s first court appearance on Jan. 15, halting the prosecution of the criminal charge.
NTI put Tunraluk on unpaid leave after the charge was laid. But Tunraluk resigned on Jan. 21, after NTI’s board passed a resolution recommending to the NTI membership that they remove him as president.
Paul Irngaut, formerly the organization’s vice-president, is serving as president until the byelection.
Paul Ingaut just sits and doesn’t make any difference in Nunavut for Inuit – it’s time him and James Eetooluk get out of the way and let others lead.
This list shows there is a lot of people who are interested in leading NTI.
We need someone who knows the Land Claims Agreement and will fight for Inuit. Whoever gets elected will have to be vocal.
James Eetoolook hasn’t been with NTI since 2022. Pay attention.
Paul Irngaut is solid. Not sure if he’s my choice for President but given the long list of lost souls here I think he’d be one of the safest picks.
James is still with the Inuit Organization which is part of NTI and for years , more than 40 yrs , he needs to retire. Once these two retire , we will see some changes.
We don’t need a “safe” sitter. Paul needs to go and retire.
Our parents would like to see us working like at mines or hamlets, but it’s not. Nunavut is different but our needs our silenced, no enjoyment, our parents just loving us like we’re having difficult time. It’s no use good for garbage just being neglected, no use.
Water and sewage truck driver Makes over 30 bucks an hour while you wait for your monthly freebie
This is just a favoritism to see now and no difference of any other Inuit Organizations doing the same old as not getting things done that are approved by the members ,
How many of the candidates are in other boards keeping quiet but making there own call on conflicts looking good for them self’s,
Who is Vocal and transparent in this selection of candidates,
We are not voting for the Vice President who keeps things to him self as he mentioned already him self ,
Who and why should we elect from this list please comment thread us …
Explain the favouritism? Maybe use to be like that but I noticed board have rules that are followed.
There is always a conflict in the NTI meetings with two brothers sitting on each meetings and making decisions. Levi B and Paul In. One of them have to go.
again what have they done to benefit themselves or family, as you said there’s favouritism!, you have explained how.
They were elected, I mean voter turn out is low but they got in by election.
Would voting as board member of one of the 3 signatories of the land use plan, while owning exploration companies count as conflict of interest?
Who cares? Can’t wait to get the gift card though
with that attitude no wonder voter turn out is low.
Anyone but Jerry Natanine as he has no idea how to be a politician.
Since we are all getting $100 bucks!! Everyone should vote to get Jeremy T back in, let’s all try that!!
Jeremy T ALL THE WAY!
Of the other 9 running, Jeremy is far by the most ideal candidate!
For handling out $100 of money that we as beneficiaries should receive,
I’m Voting for Jeremy, just to stick it to them, I hope everyone follows suit!!!!!
Let’s vote Jeremy just for this Inuit!!
Everyone that go vote should become eligible for a $20,000.00 draw.
Go Okalik go.
Who’s running the show while the elected President and Vice-president are off to the races for President?
Onalik is not a wise choice
Remember she voted against the Beneficiaries getting our royalties
With this she regress all beneficiaries Inuit could of being in the business forefront in Nunavut by now
It’s show time ppl, it’s big money, comes with lot of perks and authority within the administration. I.E. Kivalliq KIA President by-weekly pay is about 18K (every two WEEKS, pretty close if not over). Lot of travel (per diem at 350/day, salary it self with 5 months average travel per yr). So who do we elect? all looks crappy except maybe 3 that looks semi-qualify. All the president need is two terms to live well reminder of their lives, if they live on per diems and is spouse have a day job.
How much does the president make and the other regional presidents?
Remember the last NTI Board meeting was held in Greenland. The excuse was to support the Greenlanders from harassment by the US. Trump had already by then given up on his insane haranguement of that country. The A/President partly in response indicated in an inteview how he wants to get rid of the requirement for passports among the Inuit countries.
How about remembering the Inuit who are very poor in our communities with the highest cost of living for groceries and for fuel and gas in all of Canada? Why don’t those matter as much as passports or support for other countries? The Inuvialuit Regional Corp at least give their Inuit beneficiaries cheques at Christmas and once every summer for being part of the land claims residents! Inuit in NU get zero in spite of all the poverty, the lack of being hired for jobs, the lack of housing. This is a rich organization. Surely we can create programs without our old land claims power that don’t just depend on the government and their countless rules to get aid via social services! Very very bothersome that instead of those in mind, they go to another Inuit country on our behalf for their own profit, benefits and their own show biz.
Correction: With our own Inuit land claims power!