OmniTRAX/Broe Quest Series
Jack Anawak
Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs with Foreign Affairs Canada
Jack Anawak was born near Repulse Bay, Nunavut. On January 19, 2004, Mr. Anawak assumed the role of Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs with Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa.
Mr. Anawak has served as hamlet Councillor and Mayor of Rankin Inlet. He has also served on the executive board of the Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut and as Speaker of the Keewatin Regional Council. Mr. Anawak is also a former President of the Keewatin Chamber of Commerce.
In 1986, Mr. Anawak was appointed Executive Director, and was later elected President of the Keewatin Inuit Association, where he served until his election to Parliament in December 1988.
Mr. Anawak served two terms as the Member of Parliament for Nunatsiaq. During that time, Mr. Anawak served as Official Opposition critic for Northern Affairs and Environment, Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
In April 1997, the federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development appointed Mr. Anawak Interim Commissioner of Nunavut. As Interim Commissioner, he was responsible for establishing the administrative framework for the new Nunavut Government, Canada’s third territorial government.
Mr. Anawak resigned from his position as Interim Commissioner in January 1999 to run in the first election for the Government of Nunavut, and in February 1999 the constituents of Rankin Inlet North elected him to the Nunavut Legislative Assembly, where he served as Minister of Justice; Community Government; and Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, a post that he occupied until his appointment as Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs.
Jack Anawak can be reached at nadia.stuewer@international.gc.ca