Iqaluit pediatrician named Qulliit council’s Wise Woman of the year
Dr. Amber Miners and Emery Maksagak honoured in ceremony at legislative assembly
Dr. Amber Miners, right, accepts Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council’s Wise Woman award from Margaret Nakashuk, the territory’s minister responsible for the status of women, on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
“Be true to yourself, have faith in people and every little bit of kindness helps.”
Those are the words of wisdom offered Friday by Dr. Amber Miners, an Iqaluit pediatrician based at the Umingmak Child Advocacy Centre which provides healing services for children and youth who have been abused.
Miners was presented the Wise Woman award for 2024 by the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council during a ceremony Friday afternoon at the legislative assembly.
“She has dedicated her career to combat child maltreatment,” said Margaret Nakashuk, Nunavut’s minister responsible for the status of women, while presenting the award.
“Every day, this woman goes above and beyond to protect Nunavut’s children and families.”
In addition to honouring Miners, Nakashuk named Emery Maksagak of Cambridge Bay as the recipient of the Outstanding Young Woman award.
Maksagak is a future early childhood educator and a “highly involved” volunteer, said Nakashuk. Maksagak wasn’t at the award ceremony, but had a friend accept the award.
Qulliit presents the two awards annually on or around International Women’s Day, which is March 8.
Past Wise Woman award recipients include former Iqaluit mayor and MLA Elisapee Sheutiapik. North of North star Anna Lambe is a past Outstanding Young Woman Award recipient.
Miners said she was “touched and surprised” to be named the Wise Woman. With a career in Nunavut dating back to 2003, she told reporters she never thought she would be honoured this way.
“When I first came to Nunavut, I was just a baby, I’ll say, in my career and my work, and Nunavut has really shaped me and built me,” she said.
“I’m so grateful to the people that I’m able to work with and to have this recognition. It means a lot.”
This woman is amazing. So happy our kids here in Nunavut have Dr Miner’s. Her dedication, compassion, commitment, and caring for her (kid) clients with her heart on her sleeve. Nunavut is lucky to have her – the most competent and dedicated and humble Pediatritian in the territory. Way to go Dr Miners, so deserved.
This award couldn’t have gone to a more deserving recipient. Well done and well deserved Dr. Miners!
She is truly amazing! Bravo Dr Miners! well deserved.
This award is incredibly well-deserved. I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Miners for many years, both as a colleague and as a fellow parent, and she continues to inspire me and everyone she encounters in every way. The care she provides to Nunavut children is truly exceptional. Along with her passion and dedication, Dr.Minrrs brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge in the field, making her an invaluable asset to the children and families she serves. Working with some of the most vulnerable members of our society, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated, but Dr.Miners never gives up. The children she works with are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate advocate in their corner. Congratulations!