Looee Mike is the new chair of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, the national non-profit organization representing all Inuit women in Canada. (Courtesy of Catherine Whittaker/ Inuit Women of Canada)
Looee Mike named chair of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
National organization represents Inuit women and children
Updated Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. ET
In March 1983, Looee Mike looked on as women from across Inuit Nunangat gathered in Pangnirtung.
She cared for their children while the women discussed the formation of a new advocacy organization: Pauktuutit Inuit Women’s Association.
“I witnessed what they were doing,” she said. “Their work began based on hope, compassion and duty to the communities we represent.”
Fast-forward four decades and now Mike is the chairperson of the organization, which has since been renamed Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. She was elected for a three-year term late last month at its annual general meeting in Winnipeg.
“We want to continue that work of our founding members and their vision,” she said Friday in an interview.
“We will continue to work closely with our Inuit partners — Inuit organizations — including with our outstanding partner, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.”
Pauktuutit advocates for the rights, safety and well-being of Inuit women, children and gender-diverse Inuit across the country through policy development, research and partnerships, and supports business development for women.
The organization is funded through several federal government departments and supported by non-government groups across Canada.
Mike was born in a traditional camp nearly 100 kilometres from Pangnirtung in 1958, “when Inuit were still living in their rightful places,” she said.
Her family was forcibly relocated to Pangnirtung in the early 1960s.
Mike has served as vice-chair with Pauktuutit since October 2024. She succeeds Nancy Etok, the former chair.
Other board appointments include Leonie Qaumariaq, for Nunavut-Iqaluit, and Melynda Ehaloak, who was named the Urban-South-West representative.
Mike lives in Pangnirtung. She and her husband Johnny Mike have four children “and lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” she said.
“I’m really honoured to be named the board chair to lead the group of amazing women that make up our board,” she said of her new role.
Note: This article was updated to clarify Looee Mike’s role as a young woman at the meetings where the formation of Pauktuutit Inuit Women’s Association was discussed
Congrats Looee , lets make pauktuutit great agian , by the way, see , what you can do for the whales in Marineland.
Can we get some background on Looee’s educational, work, and experiential background in between 1983 and 2024? Thanks.
What difference does , her credentials make . She was elected to , a 3 yrs term , she will be driving the bus till them.
Can I see yours? To determine if you have the right to ask……
“Pauktuutit advocates for the rights, safety and well-being of Inuit women, children and gender-diverse Inuit across the country …”
What advocacy does Pauktuutit do that isn’t already done by government and private citizens?