History of Nunavut Commissioners

Helen Mamayaok Maksagak Helen Maksagak took office as the first Commissioner of Nunavut on March 31, 1999 and served until March 31, 2000.   Previously, from 1992 until 1999, she served as Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Ms. Maksagak was the first woman and the first Inuk to hold these positions. As a private citizen, Ms. Maksagak was very active at the community level. Her work focused on improving supports for the family and environmental issues in the north.

Peter Taqtu Irniq Peter Taqtu Irniq served as the 2nd Commissioner of Nunavut from April 1, 2000 until March 31, 2005.   Prior to becoming Commissioner, Mr. Irniq held the position of Deputy Minister with the Nunavut Department of Culture Language Elders and Youth from 1998 to 1999. Throughout his professional life Mr. Irniq has focused on advancing Inuit culture and language. As Commissioner he was a respected spokesperson who worked in the territory, nationally and internationally to connect all people to Nunavut, its culture and its history.