Karetak-Lindell, Nancy

Nunavut, Nunavut, Liberal Party of Canada

Nancy Karetak-Lindell was elected in 1997 as the first Member of Parliament for the new riding of Nunavut. Re-elected in 2000 and 2004, she is also the first female Member of Parliament for the Eastern Arctic.

Ms. Karetak-Lindell is currently the Chair of the Standing Committees on Aboriginal Affairs, Northern Development and Natural Resources, and is an associate member of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. She was a key player in negotiations to establish Nunavut as a political jurisdiction in Canada.

After completing high school in Yellowknife and in Ottawa, Ms. Karetak-Lindell returned home and became involved with local community groups and organizations as a volunteer with a special focus on social development, education, youth and sports.

Before entering federal politics, Ms. Karetak-Lindell served for 15 years in managerial positions for the Arviat Housing Association and Eskimo Point Lumber Supply. During this time she sat on the local education council, Arviat Hamlet Council, regional education board, Kivalliq Inuit Association, NWT Power Corporation, Nunavut Arctic College and the Canada Day Committee.

Ms. Karetak-Lindell was born and raised in Arviat (formerly Eskimo Point) on the west coast of Hudson Bay, known as the Keewatin Region of Nunavut. She has four sons and credits the strong family support she receives for her achievements.

majority seats = 155