Paul Okalik, Inuk, 1964-
He was a researcher and negotiator for the Tungavik Federation
of Nunavut and Deputy Chief Negotiator and Special Assistant to
the President of the Federation; he played an important role in
achieving the 1993 settlement that resulted in the creation of
Nunavut in 1999 and participated in its complex implementation.
He helped create the Inuit Heritage Trust, the Nunavut Implementation
Training Committee, the Nunavut Social Development Council and
the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. In 1999 he was elected
Member for Iqualuit West of the first Legislative Assembly of
Nunavut and became Nunavut’s first premier of. He served
as Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister
of Justice. A longer biography appears in Native Leaders of Canada.