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Inuit broadcasting pioneer Jonah Kelly dies

One of the pioneers of Inuit broadcasting in Nunavut, Jonah Kelly, has passed away.

Kelly gave first Inuktitut coverage of N.W.T. legislative assembly

CBC News ·

One of the pioneers of Inuit broadcasting in Nunavut has passed away.

Jonah Kelly died in hospital Saturday evening in Ottawa. He was 65 years old.

Jonah Kelly was the first person to do a broadcast in Inuktitut from the N.W.T. legislative assembly. He's seen here being the master of ceremonies when Nunavut celebrated its 10th anniversary. (Government of Nunavut photo)

Kelly began a career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation 1965 and retired in 1997. He became one of the most recognized voices on CBC radio and television during his career, which spanned more than 30 years.

His career included many firsts, including the first Inuktitut coverage of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly.

During his long career, he received many honours, including a CBC President's Award and an honorary journalism diploma from Arctic College in 1989.

He also received a lifetime achievement award from the Baffin Region Chamber of Commerce and was recognized with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 2002.

Following his career with CBC, he worked with the Nunavut government, including serving on the Nunavut Law Review Commission.

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