Pauloosie Jamesie Akeeagok, commonly, and officially known, as P.J. Akeeagok[3][4] MLA (Inuktitut: ᐱᔭᐃ ᐊᕿᐊᕈᖅ; born November 5, 1984), is a Canadian Inuk politician who in 2021 became the sixth and current premier of Nunavut.[3] He was elected a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut in the 2021 Nunavut general election.[5] He represents the electoral district of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu.

Prior to his election to the legislature, he was president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, resigning from that position in August 2021 in preparation for the election campaign.[6]

Background and family life

Akeeagok was born on November 5, 1984[7] and raised in Grise Fiord.[8] His aunt, Pat Angnakak, served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu. His uncle, David Akeeagok, is a member of the Legislative Assembly for Quttiktuq.[9]

Political career

Akeeagok was elected to the Legislative Assembly in the territorial election in 2021. He was selected to become premier in the Nunavut Leadership Forum on November 17, 2021, and defeated incumbent premier Joe Savikataaq.[8]

References

  1. ^ "P.J. Akeeagok" (in Inuktitut). Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "MLAs sworn in by Nunavut commissioner". Nunatsiaq News. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Premier Akeeagok announces cabinet portfolios". Government of Nunavut. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  4. ^ "'That boy is going to be premier one day': Meet Nunavut's P.J. Akeeagok". Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  5. ^ Madalyn Howitt, "Nunavummiut elect 11 fresh faces to territorial legislature". Nunatsiaq News, October 25, 2021.
  6. ^ "P.J. Akeeagok resigns as head of Qikiqtani Inuit Association, plans to run for MLA". CBC North, August 6, 2021.
  7. ^ "Congratulations to PJ Akeeagok on your second term as @Qikiqtani_Inuit President. I'm happy we'll continue working together to benefit Inuit in the region. Also, happy birthday!". Joe Savikataaq. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  8. ^ a b Jane George, "P.J. Akeeagok has been selected as Nunavut's next premier". CBC North, November 17, 2021.
  9. ^ "'That boy is going to be premier one day': Meet Nunavut's P.J. Akeeagok". Lethbridge News Now. 2021-11-19. Retrieved 2023-06-23.