Ex-MLA named to Order of Canada

Uriash Puqiqnak of Gjoa Haven, the former MLA for Nunavut’s Nattilik constituency, was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada this week by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

Puqiqnak, who is an accomplished artist, served as mayor of Gjoa Haven for five years, and as a Nunavut MLA from 1999 until 2004. While a member of Nunavut’s first legislative assembly, Puqiqnak served as deputy speaker and on various legislative committees.

He’ll get his Order of Canada medal at a ceremony in Ottawa, on a date to be announced later.