Regional Selection Committees
The Regional Selection Committees of the Arctic Inspiration Prize review nominations submitted from their region and make recommendations to the National Selection Committee. In addition to representing their region, members are Northerners who represent diverse sectors and communities.
2020 Members
(Alphabetical order)
Regional Selection Committee for Yukon
Jacqueline Bedard
Executive Director, External and Government Relations, Yukon College
Representing Education
Shelby Blackjack
Senior Advisor in Implementation and Reconciliation, Government of Yukon
Representing the National Selection Committee
Jay Massie
Manager, ATCO
Representing Business
Beverly Sembsmoen
AIP Laureate, The Peacemaking Circle
Representing Laureates
Courtney Wheelton
Events and Marketing Manager, Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre
Representing Youth
Regional Selection Committee for the Northwest Territories
Glen Abernethy
Former Minister and MLA for the Government of the NWT
Sabrina Broadhead
Director, Indigenous Health and Community Wellness Division, Government of the NWT
Leela Gilday
Singer, Songwriter and Producer
Representing the National Selection Committee
Paul Gruner
President & CEO, Det'on Cho Corporation
Representing Business
Verna Pope
Manger, Education and Training, Gwich’in Tribal Council & AIP Laureate, Traditional Techniques Tweaked to Galvanize Indigenous Northern Artisans
Representing Laureates
Regional Selection Committee for Inuit Nunangat
Alicia Aragutak
Executive Director, Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre
Representing Youth
Rod Hick
President and CEO, Atuqtuarvik Corporation
Representing Business
Moses Ipana
Inuvialuit Settlement Region
Peesee Pitsiulak
Former Dean of Nunatta Campus, Nunavut Arctic College
Representing Education
Kristy Sheppard
Director of Economic Development, Nunatsiavut Government & Laureate, Sakkijânginnatuk Nunalik: Healthy Homes in Thriving Nunatsiavut Communities
Representing Laureates
Former Regional Selection Committee Members
Mathieya Alatini
Former Chief, Kluane First Nation
RSC for Yukon - Representing the National Selection Committee
Darrell Beaulieu
President and CEO, Denendeh Development Corporation
RSC for the NWT - Representing Business
Nellie Cournoyea
Former Chair, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation & Former Premier of the Northwest Territories
RSC for Inuit Nunangat - Representing the National Selection Committee
Ron Daub
Chief Executive Officer, Vuntut Gwitchin Limited Partnership
RSC for Yukon - Representing Business