New leadership at Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada as CEO retires, new faces step up
Rosemary Cooper, CEO of Canada’s national Inuit women’s association, is retiring this month Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, with Nikki Komaksiutiksak taking over the role.
“We are deeply grateful for Rosemary’s time with Pauktuutit and will be cheering her on as she makes this life change,” Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada said in a statement.
“We know that there is a strong possibility that we’ll see her in the advocacy arena, as in addition to family and crafts, advocacy has been an anchor for her as an Inuk woman.”
Cooper helmed the organization as CEO for nine years, with improved housing and combating violence against Inuit women amongst the organization’s priorities under her tenure.
Joseph Phillips has also been appointed Vice President of Operations.
Nikki Komaksiutiksak takes up the reins
Upon Cooper’s retirement on March 28, the baton will be passed to Nikki Komaksiutiksak.
Originally from Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, Komaksiutiksak founded Tunngasugit Inc. — the an Inuit resource center in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is also known for her cultural contributions, including throat singing and teaching at the University of Manitoba.
Komaksiutiksak was also previously named Pauktuutit’s Inuk Woman of the Year award in 2023.
“Nikki is a wonderful addition to a line of great Inuit women that Pauktuutit has been privileged to have leading for change,” said Pauktuutit’s Board Chair, Nancy Etok.
“She picks up the transformation journey that will empower Inuit women, girls, and gender-diverse Inuit through leadership development and opportunities to advance self-determination.”
Pauktuutit said Komaksiutiksak will focus on continuing the organization’s work in policy and advocacy for Inuit women, as well as further strengthening its leadership development programs.
New VP of Operations
In addition, Pauktuutit has also named Joseph Phillips as VP of Operations oversee the internal workings of Pauktuutit.
Phillips has 15 years of experience working with Indigenous organizations and will oversee the day-to-day operations and work to make sure the organization’s programs run smoothly, the organization said.
“We are looking forward to working with Joseph as we continue to develop and strengthen our internal team,” said the organization in a statement. “His experience in governance and community development will help support Pauktuutit’s ongoing efforts.”
Comments, tips or story ideas? Contact Eilís at eilis.quinn(at)cbc.ca
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Women in Northern Canada travel farthest to access domestic violence shelters, CBC News
Finland: Fewer than 50,000 births in Finland last year, Yle News
Sweden: Giving birth in a car: a real rural problem in Sweden, Radio Sweden
United States: Alaska reckons with missing data on murdered Indigenous women, Alaska Public Media
