Meet the 10 candidates running for NTI president
Inuit beneficiaries head to the polls May 27 to pick new head of Nunavut Inuit organization
Ten candidates are running to be president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. in a May 27 byelection. They are, in the top row from left to right, Samuel Alagalak, Okalik Eegeesiak, Paul Irngaut, Jerry Komaksiutiksak, and Andrew Nakashuk. In the bottom row, from left to right, are Willie Nakoolak, Jerry Natanine, Cathy Towtongie, Jeremy Tunraluk and Gloria Uluqsi. (File photos)
On May 27, Inuit beneficiaries of the Nunavut Agreement will pick a new president to lead Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. in a byelection.
The position has been vacant since Jeremy Tunraluk resigned in January, a little more than a year into his term.
NTI is responsible for ensuring commitments under the Nunavut Agreement are kept.
Nunatsiaq News has published profiles of each of the 10 presidential hopefuls. They appeared online from May 4 to 15 and were published in the May 8 and May 15 print editions.
To help voters learn about each candidate, below are links to the profiles, all in one spot.
Samuel Alagalak wants to bring gold processing to Nunavut
Okalik Eegeesiak wants to put NTI initiatives on the public’s radar
Paul Irngaut prioritizes elders, hunters and housing in NTI presidential bid
Former teacher Jerry Komaksiutiksak wants to be NTI president
Andrew Nakashuk wants more transparency in NTI’s decision-making
Willie Nakoolak’s NTI presidential bid focuses on youth and living costs
Jerry Natanine’s vows to transform Nunavut if elected NTI president
Cathy Towtongie wants ‘structural changes’ in NTI
Jeremy Tunraluk calls for co-operation in NTI ‘rebound’ campaign
Gloria Uluqsi prioritizes housing, elders’ care in NTI leadership bid



For the NTI to have meaningful change and impact it needs a great leader. Only one candidate has the energy, intelligence, and experience to do this: Gloria.
She is old enough to have had a solid career of bigger and more important roles (and could easily coast in a cushy job for the next ten years and retire happily, privately), but young enough that she has the energy required to drive the changes we all want (anyone who has worked with her knows she is non-stop, active, engaging). She is also very smart on her own, and wise enough to welcome input from those around her (subordinates and superiors). Most important, in all this, is that the success of Inuit is so deep and genuine in her heart. Please vote carefully – this is an opportunity to elect an amazing person.
What about tunnels connecting all communities? Like the tunnel between France and England? Also I think urdu should be an official language.
What have you been smoking?
Mind your own business! This vote is beneficiaries.
I say !! , we get transporters in every town , so , spock and the landing party can bring redbull !
I wonder what level of education each of these candidates have, along with any post secondary. Adequate education really does mean alot in times like these, and then life experience are second.
I know , 2 of them , skipped kindergarten , 1 spelt threw math , in the seventh grade.
Knowledge is more of a key word than “education”, maybe they have enough knowledge to run such position… cause today having education means to follow the great white man and all (brain washed) , and we don’t want any of those educated ppl that have never spent time in Inuit home land to run the show
One thing I’ve noticed about education, if you don’t have one you rarely know what you’re missing.
When people start trying to sell their ignorance and lack of formal education as an act of self determination, you know things have gone madly off the rails.
Just say no to stupid people!
It’s ironic that NTI’s members are called beneficiaries, because I don’t think anyone benefits from this selection of candidates.