Joanasie Akumalik has a vast array of experience on Inuit issues from wildlife management, mining, education, social and cultural and economic development. He has held leadership positions within various Inuit organizations, Institutions of Public Government and within many different levels of government. His latest achievements have been as Mayor of Arctic Bay where he has been an articulate and outspoken community leader addressing the impacts related to the closure of Nanisivik Mine.
Joanasie is presently the Director of Implementation for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
(Richard Nerysoo: Co-Chair) Mr. Nerysoo of Inuvik is a veteran political leader in the Indian Brotherhood, Dene Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Nerysoo made history in 1983 when he became the first Aboriginal person to become Premier of the NWT. In 1989 he became the first Aboriginal to be elected Speaker in the NWT legislative assembly. Mr. Nerysoo has held previous appointments with the Gwich’in Development Corporation, Canada Post Corporation, NWT Community Mobilization and the Aboriginal Summit as well as being a past President of the Gwich’in Tribal Council. He is a current member of the RCMP Commissioner’s National Aboriginal Advisory Committee. Mr. Nerysoo is a recipient of a 2001 National Aboriginal Achievement Award, and recently received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Commemorative Medal for his outstanding contribution to his fellow citizens, community, and to Canada.
(Tony Penikett: Banquet Speaker) Mr. Penikett has had a long and productive career in various positions in government, both political and bureaucratic. He was the Premier of the Yukon, Chief Negotiator and Deputy Minister of Negotiations for the BC Government, and President of the New Democratic Party of Canada. More recently, Mr. Penikett has provided Northern Treaty and Audit Advice for the Auditor General of Canada, Turning Point First Nations Negotiations Risk Assessment for the David Suzuki Foundation, and he is currently working with the Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University on ‘The Treaty Project: What Works, What Doesn’t.’ Mr. Penikett is an entertaining and informed speaker on Land Claims negotiations in Canada.
(Dr. Joseph Gosnell: Keynote Speaker): Dr. Gosnell was elected president of the new Nisga’a Lisims Government in November 2000. He was Chief Negotiator for the Nisga’a Negotiating Team, and signed the historic Nisga’a Treaty in 1999. A long-time commercial fisherman, Dr. Gosnell has been honoured with doctorate of law degrees from Royal Roads University, Open University, University of Northern British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. He was awarded the Order of BC in 1999, the Order of Canada in 2001, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation in 2000. Dr. Gosnell will share his extensive land claims experience through an address titled “Working Towards a New Era of Land Claims Negotiations in Canada”.
(Ed Schultz: Keynote Speaker) Ed Schultz “Tantay” is of Northern Tutchone ancestry, a member of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and belongs to the Wolf Clan. Mr. Schultz is currently serving his second term as Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN). He is Chair of the Arctic Athabaskan Council, a treaty organization advocating greater protection and preservation of northern ecosystems for 65 Athabaskan Nations in Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Mr Schultz was awarded a Commemorative Medal for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee for his significant and long-term contribution to Canada, Yukon and his local community. His diverse experience and background has given him a strong understanding of federal, territorial, municipal and First Nation government affairs; Land Claim settlement arrangements, scientific and environmental organizations and procedures; health and social programs and services; and training and education programs and institutions. His knowledge has captivated audiences all over the world with the powerful messages he conveys for Yukon First Nations.
