Rebekah Williams, one of Nunavut’s first MLAs, former deputy commissioner of Nunavut and former acting commissioner of Nunavut, died April 15. (Photo courtesy of Virgil Williams)
Former MLA Rebekah Williams dies
Former deputy commissioner also represented Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay from 2000 to 2004
One of Nunavut’s first MLAs has died.
Rebekah Uqi Williams was elected to Nunavut’s first legislative assembly in December 2000 in a byelection. She represented the Quttiktuq constituency, which includes the communities of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.
The 73-year-old mother of three and grandmother of 12 died April 15 after a cancer diagnosis, according to her son, Virgil Williams.
She had been living in Iqaluit.
Williams was Nunavut’s deputy commissioner until December 2022. She spent time as acting commissioner as well between June 2020 and January 2021. Williams was on the team that established Nunavut’s Department of Justice during the creation of Nunavut as a territory in 1999.
After that, she served as deputy minister of the Department of Justice and deputy minister of the Department of Family Services.
Williams also served on the National Parole Board of Canada and was a member of the Residential School Survivor Committee with Truth and Reconciliation Canada.
Tony Akoak, the Speaker of the Nunavut legislative assembly, released a message of condolence on Monday.
“Ms. Williams had a distinguished career of public service and made many significant contributions to her community and territory as a whole,” Akoak stated.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok had recently highlighted Williams’s career on March 8 in the legislative assembly for International Women’s Day.
“I speak for all Nunavummiut when I say thank you for your dedication to Nunavut,” he said, after listing her long career in public service.
Outside of government, Williams was active in Iqaluit’s Anglican church.
St. Jude’s Cathedral posted an obituary for Williams on Facebook Monday.
“She was active in the choir, as an office volunteer, as a member of vestry, and as a counsellor at the Tukisigiarvik Centre,” states the obituary.
“She was also an instrumental member of the fundraising committee for the new cathedral building.”
The obituary also mentions Williams’s career in nursing and social work in her home community of Arctic Bay.
There is a memorial planned Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. at St. Jude’s Cathedral. Williams had a request to be buried in Arctic Bay, according to Virgil, so there will be a memorial service in that community as well in the middle of July.
Flags in Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay are also flying at half mast in her memory.
Farewell good friend, thank you for your service to all Nunavummiut. Thank you for you friendship and many kindnesses. (Matthew 25:23)
Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
Paul F
Rebekah was a good friend and we met her in Churchill, Manitoba. We went to school at Churchill Vocational Center at the same time. Our condolences to the family.
Rest in Peace Rebekah , and deepest condolences to both families
Rest in Peace.
Condolences to Glenn and family.
Rebekah was a strong, caring and beautiful woman. I am thankful that she and Glenn reached out to my wife, Lorraine, and I during the two years we were in Iqaluit (2007-9). It was a privilege to get to know them. We wish prayers and blessings to Glenn, and the rest of the family.