Lisa Koperqualuk steps down as ICC Canada Leader; Natan Obed named acting head
Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk has resigned as president of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, the organization said on Friday.
In a statement, ICC said Koperqualuk was leaving the post to “pursue her next chapter of advocacy work for Inuit interests.”
“Throughout her tenure, Koperqualuk worked tirelessly to advocate for Inuit self-determination, political and economic autonomy, as well as the preservation of Inuit culture, language, and traditions,” ICC said. “Her efforts have raised global awareness about Indigenous Knowledge, food security concerns, Inuit well-being, and the environmental issues impacting Inuit communities worldwide.”
Natan Obed, ICC Canada’s vice-president – national affairs, Natan Obed, will step in as acting president.
IMO status, investment among tenure achievements
Koperqualuk was elected Vice-President of International Affairs at ICC Canada in 2018, where she played a key role in several major changes, including helping the council obtain provisional status at the International Marine Organization (IMO) — the first time an Indigenous Peoples organization received such recognition.
She was appointed president of ICC Canada in 2022.
During her time at the helm, the organization secured a $91.6 million investment from the Canada First in Excellence Fund for the Qanittaq – Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative. This project, a partnership with Memorial University and other research groups, focused on promoting sustainable shipping practices in the Arctic.
In addition, Koperqualuk worked to hire more professional Inuit staff at the council, ICC said.
In a statement, Natan Obed, Vice-President – National Affairs of ICC Canada, expressed gratitude for Koperqualuk’s leadership: “I would like to recognize the hard work and leadership of Lisa during her tenure as President and thank her for her dedication to circumpolar Inuit interests.”
The ICC is an NGO representing the approximately 180,000 Inuit in Canada; Greenland; Chukotka, Russia; and in Alaska in the United States, with chapters in each of the four countries.
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