NEW DEPUTY COMMISSIONER APPOINTED FOR NUNAVUT

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO, November 8, 2005- The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Helen Maksagak to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut.

"Mrs. Maksagak is a respected elder with a long career in community service," said Minister Scott. "She has previously served northerners in the roles of Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of the Northwest Territories and was the first Commissioner of Nunavut. I would like to extend my congratulations and welcome her to the position of Deputy Commissioner."

"Mrs. Maksagak's dedication to her community and years of public service make her an ideal candidate for Deputy Commissioner," said Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament for Nunavut. "I am pleased Mrs. Maksagak has agreed to accept this position and am confident that the people of Nunavut will be well served by her commitment and spirit."

Mrs. Maksagak was born in Bernard Harbour, Nunavut. She has extensive community service experience, working as a Director on the local housing board, social assistance appeal committee, and drug and alcohol board. She has also worked with such organizations as the NWT Round Table on the Environment, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the Canada Committee on the International Year of the Family. Mrs. Maksagak was awarded the Order of Canada in 2002.

The Deputy Commissioner is called upon to act if the Commissioner is unable to carry out his or her duties.

For more information, please contact:

Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
(819) 997-0002

Backgrounder - Biography of Mrs. Helen Maksagak