on March 31.
PHOTO BY MICHAELA RODRIGUE
Sadness and joy: Helen Maksagak's swearing-in
Nunavut's popular commissioner, Helen Maksagak, was sworn into office March 31.
MICHAELA RODRIGUE
Nunatsiaq News
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Less than four hours before Nunavut came into being, Maksagak pledged her oath before a gathering of officials and onlookers within the gymnasium at Inuksuk High School.
As commissioner, Maksagak is now chief executive officer of the territory. Her role is mainly ceremonial. But the appointment still brought tears to Maksagak's eyes.
"Today I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to serve as commissioner in two territories — in the same year no less," Maksagak told the assembled crowd.
Maksagak was sworn in by Mel Cappe, the clerk of the Privy Council. Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik, Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart, and Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell were also in attendance.
After taking her oath, Maksagak paid tribute to her late husband John Maksagak. April 1 marked the first anniversary of his death.
"The past year has been a sad one for me. It was a year ago tomorrow that I lost my dear husband John to cancer," Maksagak said, pausing to wipe away tears.
"It was with him that I started to work towards Nunavut 20 years ago. I can only hope Nunavut's successes surpasses that loss," Maksagak told the silent crowd of dignitaries and spectators.
Maksagak then spoke of a prediction made when she was born. Her parents were told she would serve and be a leader.
"My only hope is that I can serve well," she said. She then summoned all members of the legislature to serve in the upcoming session.
Maksagak has worked on numerous community organizations throughout her lifetime. A one-time manager of a transient centre, she has also served on a local social assistance appeal committee, a local housing association and a drug and alcohol treatment centre's board of directors.
Maksagak's ties to Nunavut shone through after the official ceremony.
Outside of the gymnasium, Maksagak hugged and greeted a line of friends and well-wishers who waited up to half an hour to meet their new commissioner.
When asked by reporters, she continued to talk about her husband John, who worked towards the creation of Nunavut more than 20 years ago.
"You couldn't find a better man. Very patient, very gentle and down to earth, honest. He started but he didn't get to see the end," Maksagak told reporters.
Maksagak, who will turn 68 on April 15, has been commissioner of the Northwest Territories since 1994. She was the first woman commissioner and the first Inuk commissioner of the Northwest Territories.
Maksagak previously worked as a civilian employee of the RCMP. She was also a community worker and a manager of a transient centre. Maksagak was also deputy commissioner of the Northwest Territories before being appointed commissioner in 1994.
As commissioner of Nunavut, Maksagak will read the opening address to the legislative assembly, give assent to passed bills and close legislative sessions. She has the power to call new elections.
Daniel Marion has been appointed to replace Maksagak as commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Marion has been deputy commissioner since 1995.