Affiliation: University of Manitoba

I was born near Igloolik, and lived near Pond Inlet on a traditional camp as a child and grew up in Iqaluit. As a child, I attended the Apex Federal Day School from 1960-1967, then attended Churchill Vocational School and Keewatin Community College. I first moved to Manitoba in 1980, living in Churchill, Thompson, Winnipeg and now in Brandon, Manitoba. I have been a member of the Inuit Elders Executive Council on the Qanuinngitsiarutiksait Project with Ongomiizwin Research-Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing at University of Manitoba, Faculty of Health Sciences since 2018, which focuses on how Inuit concepts of wellness can be used to create healing programs in Winnipeg that reflect Inuit values, and am one of three Inuit members of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Survivor’s Circle. 

I am a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and I enjoy being involved in community events and educational programming. Since moving to Manitoba, I have volunteered in different capacities for the past 30+ years, including addictions recovery and self-help groups in Thompson. I have been a board member on the YWCA in Thompson, the Midwifery Council of Manitoba, the Grandparent Council in Brandon, the Manitoba Inuit Association and an Inuit Knowledge keeper at Brandon University Indigenous Education Senate Sub-Committee. I still volunteer with self-help groups in Brandon area, when I can, and do various cultural presentations in Brandon