‘I’ve always been a go-getter’: NTI president reflects on first 2 weeks on job

Two and a half years is a short window for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Gloria Uluqsi to do everything she wants to.

But the newly elected leader says she’ll do her best as she takes over as head of the organization responsible for upholding the promises to Inuit set out in the Nunavut Agreement.

“I understand I’m not going to be able to accomplish everything,” Uluqsi said in an interview.

“I’ve always been a go-getter, I’ve always been a hard worker, and I’m sure that I will work towards showing results for our people.”

Uluqsi spoke to Nunatsiaq News two weeks after winning the May 27 byelection, which was prompted by Jeremy Tunraluk’s resignation earlier this year.

She earned 19.6 per cent of the vote in a race that featured 10 candidates.

The past two weeks have been “very exciting,” Uluqsi said.

Based in Iqaluit, the former educator travelled all over Nunavut to communities including Pangnirtung, Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake and Arviat in her bid for the presidency.

She spoke to Nunavummiut on the street, at grocery stores, schools, elders’ facilities and on local radio.

“The highlight of my whole campaign was to talk to Inuit people on the ground,” Uluqsi said.

“I still have that drive and determination and, really, passion about helping Inuit.”

She focused on several issues including housing, food security, elders, education, training and employment, elders, leadership and accountability.

To advance those priorities, Uluqsi is promising collaboration and “open communication” with the Government of Nunavut and the three regional Inuit associations.

“I want to work honestly with them in advancing similar priorities — not duplicating — but in working in collaboration, how we can help, in what ways,” she said.

So far, Uluqsi has been settling into her new job and getting familiarized with the various files NTI is working on.

But there has also been change at the organization, with last week’s departure of CEO Kilikvak Kabloona.

“This is a personal matter and it’s confidential, and NTI remains focused on its mandate and responsibilities,” Uluqsi said when asked about that development.

“We are ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of operations.”

Going forward, Uluqsi says she’s excited to work with the NTI board and its partners.

She said she’s also looking forward to Nunavut Day on July 9, which she plans to celebrate with her team and fellow Inuit.