New Pauktuutit president appointed

Mary Palliser, a teacher at Inukjuak’s Innalik School, is the new president of Pauktuutit, the national Inuit women’s association.

Palliser replaces Veronica Dewar, who has held the presidency of Pauktuutit since 1998. In a news release, Pauktuutit said Dewar is resigning for “personal reasons,” and will move back to her home community of Rankin Inlet.

“I wish Mary all the best. I know she will serve as an outstanding president as Pauktuutit enters into this, their twentieth year of advocacy for Inuit women and their families,” Dewar said in the news release.

Palliser’s appointment is effective Sept. 1. Since Dewar’s term as president isn’t due to expire until the fall of 2005, Palliser will serve as president until at least that time.

At its annual general meeting in Ottawa scheduled for Nov. 8-10, Pauktuutit will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a variety of festivities.

They will also elect eight board members, a non-regional representative, a youth executive officer, and members for two board committees. For more information about nominations, which close Sept. 24, call Pauktuutit at 1-613-238-3977.