PJ Akeeagok wins Qikiqtani Inuit Association presidency

An official recount following last week’s election has confirmed that Pauloosie — better known as PJ — Akeeagok is the new president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

Akeeagok narrowly defeated Mikidjuk Akavak, who was ahead by three votes after the initial count, but lost by two in the end with 754 votes to Akeeagok’s 756.

"It's a humbling experience," says Akeeagok, who says the results made for a sleepless night.

Now that the votes have been counted, and recounted, Akeeagok says he's ready to make his mark on the regional Inuit organization.

"There's a lot of pressing issues, but accountability of reconnecting with beneficiaries obviously has to be the first one." 

Throughout the campaign, Akeeagok says the voters in all communities stressed to him that they want to feel more connected to QIA. 

'Inuit need unity'

Originally from Grise Fiord (pop. 150), Akeeagok has served in many roles with Inuit organizations, including assistant executive director and as a community liaison officer at QIA, assistant director of communications for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and as a project coordinator at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

As the president of QIA, Akeeagok hopes he can bring those groups together.

"We're all wanting a common goal," says Akeeagok. "It's making sure we've put forward the interests of our regions, but collectively we can't lose that sight of that common goal that we are one." 

Akeeagok got interested in politics early. As a student at Nunavut Sivuniksavut, he was one of four young Inuit take take part in creating a three-part documentary called Staking the Claim, which featured interviews with several key players behind the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and was shared with Nunavut schools.

At age 30, Akeeagok says he's fortunate to have spent so much time with other organizations, but he says his youth also makes him eager for change.

"There's a lot of hope behind me," he says. "I feel my fresh approach and positive approach will be beneficial."

Being from Grise Fiord, Nunavut's northernmost community, Akeeagok says he's keenly aware of one of his biggest challenges.

"It's making sure every voice is heard," he says. "I know how distant some politicians may seem at times. So it's making sure I listen to the people within the communities."

Akeeagok takes over from Okalik Eegeesiak who left the QIA in July to become the international chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council.