Respected Inuit leader dies in Ottawa
Thomasie Alikatuktuk, well-known artist and leader, brought stability to QIA
Thomasie Alikatuktuk of Pangnirtung: March 21, 1953 — Nov. 24, 2009.
Thomasie Alikatuktuk, who served as president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association between September 2001 and October 2009, died Nov. 24 at the Ottawa Civic Hospital after an lengthy illness.
He was 56.
Alikatuktuk, orginally from Pangnirtung, is well-known for his art work and the stability that he brought to the QIA during the eight years he served in the organization’s top job.
He announced his resignation as QIA president Oct. 22, during the organization’s recent board meeting in Iqaluit, citing poor health.
QIA will hold an election Dec. 14 among all eligible beneficiaries in the Qikiqtani region to elect a president to serve the two years that remain in Alikatuktuk’s term.
The candidates are Okalik Eegeesiak of Iqaluit, Zacharias Kunuk of Igloolik, Franco Buscemi of Iqaluit, Joe Sageatok of Iqaluit, Hezekiah Oshutapik of Pangnirtung, and Sam Omik Sr. of Pond Inlet.
A date for Alikatuktuk’s funeral has yet to be set.
(7) Comments:
My condolences to Thomasie’s family and friends… Ajurnarmat.
He was one of the most forward-thinking leaders I’ve ever met, without a doubt he will be missed, kinguniqarniaqtuq nalunangittuq.
RIP Thomasie….
Thomasie was very friendly person. We will miss him
Taqasitialiri Thomasie
My condolences to the family.
He will be greatly missed, he will not be forgotten.
My deepest condolences to his family. He was doing a great job. When he spoke not too long ago on CBC radio about why he was resigning, he sounded like he wasn’t ven sick, because he was such a great speaker, and soft spoken. I will remember you for your kindness and Thank you for helping lots of people. God Bless you and rest in peace, and watch over your family now as you are thier angle now.
Qujannamiik akkuluk illanginut..
Pauline Oolayou Alainga Alberta.
Mamianaugaluaq Inuuqatittiavakput inuujunniirmingmat. Naglingnaugaluaq ilaluktaangit. Thomasie Alikatuktuk, was a true Inuk, who always represented Inuit by promoting our culture, language, and Inuit spirituality. Thomasie will be remembered for his huge contribution to not only Qikiqtanimiut but for all Nunavutmiut and all Canadians. He was a role model for many Inuit. Iqqaumajaunginnarniaqputit ikajuttialauravit.
Peter
My condolences to Thomasie’s family at this difficult time.
Thomasie was a very kind and forward thinking man who cared about Inuit culture, and I am sorry to hear of his passing.
A wonderful person who will be missed by all.
I just heard of the passing of Thommie. I am heartsick and send my deepest condolences to his family.
What a great man we had in our midst. On my several visits to Pang, he was a most congenial host, sharing his knowledge with our groups. He also visited Philadelphia at my gallery, ARTSPACE where he held workshops and delighted our many guests.
When he moved to Iqlauit, we stayed in touch and on my last trip to Pang in 2008, he and his wife joined us for dinner. He was a remarkable man - filling many shoes with knowledge and quiet dignity. I remember vividly his last remark, after a great cultural presentation, ” Carol, in my heart I am still just an artist”. A great one indeed!
Carol Heppenstall
Arts and Culture Director, Adventure Canada