Languages commissioner Karliin Aariak reappointed after 1-year absence
Role left empty for more than a year as GN tried to fill vacancy
Karliin Aariak, pictured at the Inuktuuqta! Inuktut Writing Prize gala in November 2024, is back as Nunavut’s languages commissioner after the legislative assembly approved her five-year appointment to the job Monday. (File photo by Daron Letts)
More than a year after Nunavut’s languages commissioner position was left vacant, the legislative assembly reappointed Karliin Aariak to the post she previously occupied for five years.
MLAs voted unanimously during Monday’s sitting to give Aariak a five-year appointment. A previous Government of Nunavut job posting listed the salary range for the position as between $166,807 and $225,672.
Aariak is no stranger to the role. She was the last person to hold the position until February 2025 when her five-year term ended.
In addition to her previous appointment as commissioner, she has worked as a reporter and editor with CBC, a senior policy analyst for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and as an investigations officer for the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut.
The languages commissioner oversees the GN’s efforts to protect language rights for Inuktitut, French and English speakers.
Uqqummiut MLA Gordon Kautuk made the motion to appoint Aariak, which was seconded by Iqaluit-Tasiluk MLA George Hickes and passed with a unanimous vote.
In early February, Stephen Innuksuk, the clerk of the legislative assembly, said his office was in talks with a potential candidate after the post had been vacant for a year.
Aariak’s new appointment takes effect April 8. Her term is for five years.
“I would like to congratulate Ms. Aariak, who will have a huge task ahead of her,” said Speaker of the legislative assembly David Joanasie after the vote.
— With files from Jeff Pelletier
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