July 19, 2014 – Inuvik, Northwest Territories – The Inuit Circumpolar Council, Canada is pleased to announce that Herb Nakimayak was elected as Vice President – International at today’s Annual General Meeting in Inuvik. Mr. Duane Smith was acclaimed as ICC President at the close of the call for nominations on July 23, 2014.
This is Smith’s fourth term as ICC President being first elected in June 2002. As President of ICC Canada, Smith is also Vice-President of Canada’s National Inuit Organization, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. Smith has been involved with ICC Canada since 1998.
Two nominations were received for the position of Vice-President International Affairs in advance of the July 23, 2014 deadline: Vernon B. Amos and Herb Nakimayak, both from the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
Herb Nakimayak was elected by delegates from all four Inuit regions across Inuit Nunangat. Originally from Paulatuk, NWT, Nakimayak brings experiences working across Canada in search and rescue and the resource conservation and development industry. He is a strong advocate of Inuit, especially Inuit youth.
“I am honoured to welcome Herb to ICC-Canada, representing the interests of Canadian Inuit at the Inuit Circumpolar Council and internationally,” said Smith. “Holding this position for over a decade has established important continuity as well as the ability to foster long-lasting relationships with our Inuit partners around the circumpolar region. I look forward to continuing this work in the coming years.”
“I am pleased to have been elected as Vice President – International for ICC Canada,” said Herb Nakimayak. “I am excited to work with the well-established ICC team and serve Inuit in this role. Many thanks to those who have supported me in this endeavor.”
The ICC in Canada is a non-profit organization led by a board of directors comprising the elected leaders of the four land-claims settlement regions: Inuvialuit, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and Nunavut. An elected executive, including a president, two vice-presidents, and a secretary-treasurer, manages the organization.
For more information, please contact:
Patricia D’Souza
dsouza@itk.ca<mailto:dsouza@itk.ca>; 613-292-4482
Herb Nakimayak Biography:
Herb was born in Inuvik nad raised in Paulatuk, NWT. He was raised in a traditional lifestyle which included hunting, fishing and trapping. At the age of 12, Herb managed to balance distance school while living in the bush learning from his father, Jonah, and Elder, Billy Ruben.
Herb has worked with Parks Canada in seven National Parks in the area of resource conservation, search and rescue and mentoring and advocating for Aboriginal involvement.
Herb has worked with Inuit from the Western Arctic, Nunavut and Labrador on the Inuit Health Survey as a land team member and research assistant. He also served as a panelist and helped develop the script on Qanuqtuurniq (Finding the Balance) “How are we as men” two hour live series on APTN on Inuit Men’s health and well-being and the “I am young, I am proud” live series on APTN on Inuit youth, communication and inclusion.
Herb has served as a facilitator and research assistant with Arctic North Consulting “Adaptation to Climate Change” workshops in Paulatuk, NWT and Ottawa, ON. He facilitated a study by the University of Quebec in Paulatuk on the use of drugs and alcohol through interviews with students, teachers and community leaders to compile data for Inuit use for community dynamics.
Herb now works for Raytheon Canada as Zone Manager operating 11 radar sites from Inuvik, NWT. Planning projects and recruiting Inuit from across Canada has been a priority for Herb and continues to be a focus. His goal is to include and empower Inuit involvement in the workforce through participation, recruitment, networking, leadership and mentoring partnerships.
Herb has been involved in local and regional organizations such as the Hamlet of Paulatuk as a counselor and helped develop the Paulatuk Development Corporation in conjunction with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. He has facilitated and participated in anti-poverty campaigns and roundtables in the Northwest Territories and in Nunavut.
He is committed to continuing traditional ways of life through stories of Elders and hunters and trappers including carrying out “On the Land” programs for Elders and Youth. He has attended numerous leadership conferences and training such as John C. Maxwell’s spring leadership in Spokane, WA and Algonquin College in Ontario.
Aside from work and community involvement, Herb spends his time in London, ON where his daughters Madeline and Grace live and attend school. He currently lives in Edmonton, AB, working on rotation 6 weeks on and 6 weeks off, allowing him to spend much time as ICC Vice President – International.
Herb’s diverse work and personal history has led him to become a valuable resource from the grassroots to implementing programs that have positive impacts for Inuit.