Return of a Canadian Arctic ambassador: Here’s who might be up for the job
Revival of Arctic ambassador role part of Canada’s Arctic foreign policy announced in 2024

More than six months after the federal government revived the position of Canada’s Arctic ambassador, the job remains vacant.
The ambassador works with Canada’s Arctic allies, Indigenous Peoples and provincial and territorial governments to promote the country’s domestic and foreign policy agendas, advance Canada’s Arctic interests and raise awareness of Indigenous rights in the Arctic, according to Global Affairs Canada.
“Canada’s Arctic ambassador will be announced in due course,” Charlotte MacLeod, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, said in a June 25 email, when asked about the vacancy.
The ambassador — to be named by the federal cabinet — was one of the key pillars of the federal government’s $34.7-million Arctic foreign policy announced in December.
The role of an ambassador for circumpolar affairs was created by Jean Chrétien’s Liberal government in 1994. Mary Simon, the current governor general, was the first ambassador until 2004 when she was replaced by Jack Anawak, a former Nunavut MP.
In 2006, Stephen Harper’s Conservative government eliminated the position to save money. To some, the cut was a signal of the federal government’s disinterest in Arctic affairs.
As the role is brought back, here are some potential candidates who might be up for the gig.
P.J. Akeeagok, Nunavut premier — A first-time MLA, Akeeagok announced July 8 he won’t seek re-election in the Oct. 27 territorial election.
Akeeagok said in a social media post he is not “stepping away for another role.” It’s a move to spend more time with his family.
He didn’t say what his future plans are, but said he will ” look at opportunities when that moment hits.”
Akeeagok was elected to the legislative assembly in November 2021, winning the Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu riding after seven years as president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association. That same month, he was elected premier in a vote by MLAs, succeeding Joe Savikataaq.
Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami — Obed’s term as president of the national Inuit organization is winding down, with an election scheduled for the third week of September.
In 2021, Obed was the only candidate to run and was acclaimed as president for a third term as head of the organization.
Before that election, he told Nunatsiaq News he would not seek re-election in 2025.
No one has put their name forward as a potential contender in the upcoming election, and Obed hasn’t publicly laid out his post-presidency plans.
Prior to his time as ITK’s president, Obed served at the Labrador Inuit Association, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and chaired ITK’s National Inuit Committee on Health.
Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. — Aluki Kotierk has had several appointments after stepping down last December as president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the territory’s lands claim organization.
In February, she was appointed to lead an external review of Nutrition North Canada, a food subsidy program. As well, she was appointed to chair the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Located in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, Nunatsiaq News is dedicated to covering affairs in Nunavut and the Nunavik territory of Quebec since 1973. It has been a partner to ArcticToday and its predecessors since 2016.