Rhoda Innuksuk remembered for dedication and leadership

Rhoda Innuksuk is being remembered across Nunavut and across Canada as a dedicated advocate for Inuit families and women.

The former leader of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami died recently after a long illness, Iqaluit-Sinaa MLA Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster said May 22 during a tribute to Innuksuk in the legislative assembly.

“I rise today to pay tribute to one of my mom’s dear friends and a really important person in my life,” Brewster said.

She described Innuksuk as one of a generation of young women who moved to Ottawa in the late 1960s and 1970s where they could get an education and contribute to Nunavut from afar.

Born in Igloolik, Innuksuk went on to become the first female president of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada (now known as Tapiriit Kanatami) from 1985 to 1988, and president of Pauktuutit from 2007 to 2009.

“She was amongst a group of young Inuit women who are not always spoken about,” Brewster said.

She recalled spending “many, many years” at Inuit Tapirisat of Canada and Pauktuutit during Innuksuk’s tenure.

“Rhoda was always there and she was always putting her best foot forward on behalf of all Inuit,” she said.

Pauktuutit and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami released tributes earlier this month to Innuksuk as well.

Her leadership and dedication have left a “lasting impact” on Pauktuutit and the lives of Inuit women, families and communities across the country, a social media post from Pauktuutit said.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami thanked Innuksuk for her work on behalf of Inuit as president of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada as well as executive council member of the Inuit Circumpolar Council.