ICC Canada

Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk

Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk was born in Puvirnituq, Northern Quebec (Nunavik), Canada. Raised by her grandparents Lydia and Aisa Koperqualuk, her elementary schooling was done in Nunavik. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Concordia University, Montreal, she holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Laval University, Quebec City.

Fluent in Inuktitut, English and French, Lisa acted as Communications Officer for Makivik Corporation for seven years and participated in various regional, national and international fora such as Inuit Circumpolar Council General Assemblies in Kuujjuaq 2002, in Barrow 2006 (as a delegate) and elected in July 2018 in Utqiaġvik as Vice-President International for ICC Canada.

Lisa is a member of the Kativik Environmental Quality Commission (KEQC) since 2010, an independent decision-making body responsible for evaluating and reviewing development projects in Nunavik. Created by virtue of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), KEQC is governed by the JBNQA and the Environmental Quality Act of Quebec. As the co-founder and former president of Saturviit Inuit Women’s Association of Nunavik, the issues of social justice concerning Inuit women and children led her to spearhead a study looking into the situation of Inuit women in Nunavik based on their perspective. The Bring Hope and Restore Peace report raised issues expressed by Inuit women of Nunavik on housing needs, education and employment, violence and abuse and the justice system in Nunavik. Her mandate as Researcher with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls ended with the submission of the Final Report, Reclaiming Power and Place in June 2019.

Lisa served as ICC Canada’s Vice President of International Affairs from 2018-2022 before being acclaimed as President of ICC Canada at the 14th General Assembly in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik on July 18, 2022. As VP of International Affairs Lisa focused much of her work in the areas of international shipping regulations successfully leading the ICC to receive provisional status at the International Marine Organization (IMO) where Inuit are the first Indigenous People.

In Lisa’s current role as President of ICC Canada, she also serves as Vice-Chair of ICC International. In this international role, she promotes collaboration with the other three ICC offices in Greenland, Alaska, and Chukotka. Greenland currently holds the position of ICC International Chair.

She works for Inuit interests in self-determination advocating Inuit political and economic autonomy, social justice (particularly through Inuit law), and protection of the environment, culture and language.