The AIP’s three Regional Selection Committees review nominations submitted from their regions and choose finalists from their regions that go to the National Selection Committee. In addition to representing their region, members are Northerners who represent diverse sectors and communities.
Guná is a young Tlingit artist, dancer, Lingít language learner and student of Northwest Coast design. Guná, is of Dakhká Tlingit and Tagish Khwáan Ancestry from the Dahk’laweidi Clan (killer whale) which falls under the wolf/eagle moiety. Her family has made the beautiful southern lakes area of the Yukon their home for numerous generations.
Guná’s love for Northwest Coast design began 10 years ago and she continues to build on her knowledge of Tlingit Formline. Her practice is dedicated to preserving and understanding a highly esteemed art form and acknowledges she will never stop learning and growing as a Tlingit artist. Guná recently graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Emily Carr University of Art and Design with a major in Visual Arts.
Throughout her journey in academia, Guná began to vocalize the need for transformation within educational spaces that are negatively impacting Indigenous students. With a passion for learning through the arts, it is Guná’s mission to help dismantle the colonial processes enveloped in society and education. Guná actively participates in deconstructing and interrogating Eurocentric pedagogy and methodologies in order to build a new foundation stemming from values of diversity, cultural receptivity, empowerment, encouragement, and affirmation.
These values are embodied through Guná’s painting practice, proactive participation in language revitalization, and working as an art facilitator to assist students in becoming in tune with their inherent artistic abilities. Guná hopes that these life-long efforts will contribute to the collective endeavor of healing and prosperity for her community, and hopes she will witness within her lifetime a day where Indigenous students no longer question their belonging or worth ever again.
Gina is a Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation Beneficiary & Citizen; she is of the Wolf Clan from Dawson and presently resides in Whitehorse, Yukon.
She retired from her first career as a Sergeant after serving 21 years of loyal service with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. She has a diverse background in policing and served as operational and administrational police officer within the RCMP and within many Aboriginal Communities in Canada as a Community Safety Specialist.
Gina firmly believes her experience working with community safety and security initiative implementations, and other programs/services linked to justice including criminal justice, family and child welfare, community and land based healing, restorative justice principles, administration of justice negotiations and practices, is an asset towards building community wellness and safety for all Canadian citizens.
Her knowledge of Indigenous People’s history with the formal justice system, residential and child welfare systems and familiarity with First Nation history, culture, goals and aspirations is her strength and passion.
Yak’éi yee xwsateení (its good to see you)
Kothetty yoo xa̱t duwasáakw (My Tradtional name is Kothetty)
Erin Pauls dleit ḵáa x’̱éináx (My English name is Erin Pauls)
Cheyonia x x̱ a̱t stiee (I carry my crest from the Tahltan nation Cheyonia which is a wolf clan)
I am Tahltan, Tlingit, and a citizen of Champagne & Aishihik First Nations. I have two children whom I consider my greatest teachers. I was born and raised in the Yukon and am proud to call the Yukon my home and raise my family here. I am a ravenstail weaver, drummer, and traditional dancer with Dakhka Khwaan and the Dakwakata Dancers. I love being on the land and hunting and gathering with my family.
I am honored to be the Education Director for the First Nation School Board. I have the privilege of working with the land and language team, collaboratively with Yukon First Nations on their traditional territory to co-govern education on their traditional territory.
I have been working in Yukon education since 2001. I bring my experiences from working in early learning, Aboriginal Head Start, the K-12 system in Yukon, and as a First Nation Education Director. I have a level 3 in Early Childhood Education, a bachelor’s of Education from the University of Regina, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Royal Roads, and I am currently pursuing my doctorate in Education from Simon Fraser University.
Xixch’tlaa (Diane Strand) is a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) and belongs to the Crow Clan of the Southern Tutchone people Diane obtained a Business Administration diploma from Yukon College in 1996, a Personal Life Coach Certificate from the Rayner Institute, Calgary in 2014 and an Advanced Integrative Energy Healing Certificate from Langara College, Vancouver in 2017. She is presently enrolled with Somatic Experiencing as she moves towards becoming a somatic counsellor.
Diane retired from her many years of employment with CAFN, a self-governing First Nation, occupying several positions: Heritage Resource Officer, Chief, Director of Cultural and Language, Director of Community Wellness and Senior Director of Citizen Services. She is currently operating her independent business, Crow’s Light Healing & Discovery which provides energy healing and workshop delivery related to community and individual healing. She currently is the Cultural Senior Advisor for Shäwthän Näzhì: Healing with the Land Society operating out of Haines Junction. Diane also provides consulting advice for others in First Nations governance, cultural & traditional knowledge; and health & social fields of study.
Possessing a wealth of volunteer and board experience, Diane is currently a member of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and a member of the Health Transformations Advisory Committee for YG and Chief’s Committee on Health. In 2023 Diane became a Laureate of the Arctic Inspiration Prize. Her passion is being the dance group leader for the Dakwäkäda Dancers, a Southern Tutchone traditional dance group where singing, dancing and drumming grounds her in her traditional teachings. Diane currently lives in Däkwäkäda (Haines Junction) and is the mother of three adult children and a grandmother to seven.
With over 15 years of experience in expediting and logistics, including managing and operating a successful business in the field, Kele Antoine brings a strong background in leadership, operations, and project management to his role as Chief of Liidlii Kue First Nation.
After serving two three-year terms as Sub-Chief, Kele Antoine was elected Chief of LKFN, where he is now serving his second term. Throughout his time in leadership, he has played an integral role in advancing key community projects — including serving as President during the construction of the new LKFN office building — and has been deeply involved in numerous negotiations and development initiatives that support long-term community growth and self-reliance.
A strong advocate for clean energy and sustainable development, Kele Antoine was instrumental in the successful Dehcho Wood Stove Replacement Project, which will see the installation of over 300 high-efficiency wood stoves across the region. This initiative not only reduces household energy costs and reliance on diesel but also supports local biomass harvesting and community firesmarting efforts.
Committed to building a resilient, sustainable future for Liidlii Kue and the Dehcho region, Kele Antoine continues to champion initiatives that balance economic opportunity, cultural integrity, and environmental stewardship.
Paul Gruner has 15 years of progressive management experience in several industries including Oil and Gas Midstream Operations, Civil Construction, Telecommunications and manufacturing. He has worked primarily in the North including Northern British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska and currently Northwest Territories. In the past he has served as the General Manager of Dakwakada Capital Investments, CEO of Castle Rock Enterprises and President of RAB Energy. Currently he is the President and CEO of Det’on Cho Management LP which is the investment arm of the Yellowknives Dene First Nations. He sits on several boards including the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Future Skills Centre Canada, Northwest Territories / Nunavut Chamber of Mines and Da Daguay Development Corporation.
In addition to his professional experience he has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Northern British Columbia, a Chartered Professional Accounting Designation and the Institute Corporate Director Designation.
Born and raised in Aklavik, NT with lived experiences in various northern communities of Fort Smith, Hay River, Yellowknife, Fort Good Hope, Inuvik to name a few due to my father’s employment as a Renewable Resource Officer.
Early years spent outside of the northwest territories again due to father’s employment with Edmonton Municipal Airport for three years before moving to Fort Smith to start school.
Attended school in Fort Smith, Inuvik, Fort Good Hope, Yellowknife and graduated in the Beaufort Delta.
Work for many years with GNWT in a variety of positions with long term work as a community social worker, school counselor, teacher and eventually Principal of the local school.
Also involved with various business ventures since 2008 to current date. This is an area that I feel needs to have more light shed on as our youth need to understand the many ways that they can achieve in this sector and how they can begin to contribute to their communities.
An educated person, is the authentic & genuine jewel of every community as a long lasting resource that we should continue to empower our young people to be a part of. Education will remain as the vehicle for advancing our communities to grow in leadership, business, entrepreneur ventures and mobilizing our Language and cultures of the NWT.
I am very open minded and a strong advocate for initiatives that promote and push the envelope for any type of educational, public, business platform that helps strengthen our efforts as Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Territories.
Kyla LeSage is Vuntut Gwitchin from Old Crow, Yukon, and Anishinaabe from Garden River, Ontario. She grew up on Chief Drygeese Territory in Yellowknife, NT. Kyla is a Dechinta alumni where she received credits towards her UBC Degree in Political Science and Indigenous Studies. After graduating, she moved back to Yellowknife to work as a land-based and outreach coordinator with Dechinta and she is now the Director of Program Development, where she organizes and runs land-based programs for the public, students, and in partnership with numerous community organizations. Kyla has sat on many different board of directors and steering committees for northern organizations such as NWTRPA and the Western Arctic Youth Collective where she has had the honour to support northern programming in various communities.
Annie Aningmiuq is honoured to join the Arctic Inspiration Prize as the Regional Selection Committee member for Inuit Nunangat. Based in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Annie is a proud Nunavut Agreement beneficiary and recognized leader with deep experience advancing community well-being and Inuit priorities across the North.
As President of Nunasi Corporation, Annie has been instrumental in cultivating strong relationships with government leaders at every level and executing strategic organizational initiatives. Her expertise in public policy, communications, and leadership has shaped advocacy and rebranding campaigns that amplify Inuit voices and interests.
Her broad professional journey includes serving as Manager of Policy and Communications at the National Association of Friendship Centres, Director of Indigenous Programming at Canada World Youth, Policy and Regional Affairs Advisor to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and key roles at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and within Parliament. Annie’s work is distinguished by a commitment to collaboration—she has organized national youth summits, led rebranding projects, managed grant-funded programming, and has worked to advance Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, Inuktitut, and cultural celebration.
A mother, a traditional throat singer who has performed internationally, a jewelry designer, and an active volunteer and board member for various organizations, Annie is widely respected for her creative vision, strategic insights, and her commitment to her community.
As a member of the Regional Selection Committee, Annie looks forward to supporting transformative projects and celebrating the diverse strengths, ingenuity, and aspirations of Inuit—ensuring that Inuit leadership and creativity are at the forefront of northern progress.
My name is Julie Dicker, and I am a Labrador Inuit (Nunatsiavummiuk) from Nain, Nunatsiavut. I was born in Northwest River, Newfoundland and Labrador, and raised in Nain, where I spent my childhood and young adulthood deeply rooted in Inuit culture, identity, and community. My parents, Joan (Martin) Dicker and Sam Dicker, are both from Nain and are also Nunatsiavummiut. Their values and connection to Inuit traditions have shaped the foundation of who I am today. I have always been passionate about sport, physical activity, and my Inuit culture and identity. I completed a Bachelor of Physical Education (2008) and a Bachelor of Education (2009) at Memorial University, followed by a Master of Physical Education in 2013.
For several years, I have served as Principal of Jens Haven Memorial School in Nain. Before this role, I was a physical education teacher for 13 years, beginning my career at John Christian Erhardt Memorial School in Makkovik, Nunatsiavut. I also taught Inuktitut at the junior and senior high levels at Jens Haven Memorial School starting in 2018. Throughout my teaching career, I dedicated significant time to coaching a variety of sports within the school’s varsity program, fostering teamwork, resilience, and pride among Inuit youth. While I stepped back from coaching to focus on my leadership role as Principal, I continue to champion sport as a powerful tool for growth and connection.
In 2023, I began doctoral studies in Arctic and Subarctic Futures at Memorial University’s Labrador Campus. My research focuses on the positive impacts of participation in the school’s varsity sports program on the lives of Inuit youth. I remain deeply committed to promoting and advocating for Inuit culture and sport, and to advancing opportunities that empower Inuit youth through education, leadership, and physical activity.
Kaviq Kaluraq lives in Baker Lake, Nunavut. She is an instructor in the Nunavut Arctic College’s Nunavut Teacher Education Program. She is also the Acting Chairperson of the Nunavut Impact Review Board, currently serving her third term.
Kaviq completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science at Trent University and is currently a graduate student in the Master of Educational Studies Program at Trent University.
Kaviq travels to communities across Nunavut to teach, and to meet with community members to learn about how they live and what they strive for in terms of resource development in their communities.
Through this fellowship Kaviq hoped to learn more about policies and practices surrounding Inuit environmental literacy and language. She has seen changes around the ways in which Inuit of different generations have relationships with land, and a growing gap of Inuit knowledge about the land among youth. She is interested in policies that allow for knowledge and skills mobilization for traditional Inuit knowledge about the environment using Inuktitut, as well as barriers to mobilization created by policies.
Kaviq is interested in learning about the ways people across the North face and address the gaps of traditional knowledge and language about the natural environment; and ways that people are mobilizing traditional knowledge programs through the development of asset oriented and collaborative policies.
David is originally from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut and is currently the President and CEO of Kitikmeot Corporation (KC), the business development arm of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association. He has served as President and CEO of Kitikmeot since 2012 and has been on the Board of Nunasi since 2012. David was formerly Chair of the Board for Qulliq Energy Corporation, and prior to that, he spent many years in government positions, including Secretary to Cabinet and Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Tamara Voudrach is Inuvialuit from Inuvik, NT. She is the daughter of the late Inuvialuk artist and leader, Rory “Qakuq” Voudrach and wife Denise Ritias.
Tamara holds a diploma in Indigenous Digital Filmmaking from Capilano University, and is currently working towards her Bachelor of Commerce (2026) through MacEwan University.
She began as a Television Producer with the Inuvialuit Communications Society in 2016, and began managing the organization as its Executive Director in 2020. In her work with ICS, she works to preserve and promote Inuvialuit culture, language, and lived experiences. Outside of the Society, she is also the Co-Founder of the Arctic Youth Development Agency (AYDA Women), and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN).
Voudrach is an AIP laureate, helping to lead the successful Inuvialuit Piuyausiat Youth Northern Games development event in Tuktoyaktuk, NT in the summer of 2024. The project was a $100,000 youth category winner of 2024. She is also a successful fellow of the NDN Changemaker Fellowship for 2024, chosen by the fellowship’s Inuit region representatives.
She lives and works in her home community of Inuvik, NT, raising her young son, Qakuq.
At only twenty-six years old, Alicia Aragutak is a seasoned role model; she has travelled as far as Peru, New Zealand, and South Africa to speak about the vital importance of Indigenous culture. During her tenure as the founder and first President of the Qarjuit Youth Council, Alicia held Inuit youth consultations for all fourteen Nunavik communities, creating pioneering programs to bring youth and elders together. She served as a Youth Ambassador for the Qanuilirpitaa? survey initiative which examined the health of the Nunavik population, and also engaged in a regional Arctic Policy Framework roundtable, helping to build a long-term vision for the Canadian and circumpolar Arctic.
In her current position as Executive Director of the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre, Alicia helps facilitate a culturally sensitive treatment and healing process which addresses the role that intergenerational trauma plays in addiction, grounding patient recovery in traditional Inuit practices. Alicia is a tireless change-maker whose work has already had a huge impact on the lives of Inuit across Inuit Nunangat.
Mathieya Alatini is an experienced leader with a tireless work ethic and a strong voice. She’s known for vision, trailblazing and a no-nonsense approach to overcoming obstacles to get things done.
Mathieya is from Burwash Landing and has extensive family throughout the Yukon. She was raised traditionally, having lived in both small towns and large cities, giving her the unique understanding necessary to bridge both worlds.
She has experience working with federal, territorial and First Nations governments. Mathieya holds a Degree in commerce from University of Victoria, and like many Yukoners has worked in several different industries throughout her career, ranging from tourism to construction and mining. Her experience serving as the Chief of Kluane First Nation from 2010-2016 gave Mathieya experience building a local economy, moving towards energy self-sufficiency and creating food security through building community. She continues to support communities through local, pan-northern and national boards and committees such as NRCan’s GEM2 AGN, EntrepreNorth, the National and Regional Selection Committees of the Arctic Inspiration Prize and KFN’s Constitution Committee.
The connection and pride she feels calling beautiful Kluane country home is a foundational motivator to her work in Yukon, across the North and the rest of Canada. Her vision is to create and support opportunities for social and economic growth in a way that will ensure our environment is here for future generations.
Residing in the Yukon with her young daughter and an active member of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, Shelby is a recognized role model, artist, academic, activist and educator of Northern Tutchone descent. Building strong community connections and cultural programs within the areas of arts, education and cultural traditions is present in every aspect of her life. Shelby is known for gathering and sharing her knowledge in these areas with anyone who is willing to learn. She comes from a long line of artisans and storytellers, and loves to share the history behind the traditional art forms that she teaches. Shelby holds a Masters of Education in Leadership from SFU and has worked towards her PHD in Indigenous Governance from University of Victoria, pausing her studies to move back north when her daughter was born. She currently works with the department of Aboriginal Relations as a Senior Advisor in Implementation and Reconciliation for the Yukon Government.
Shëné Catholique-Valpy is a member of the Łutsel k’e Dene First Nation Band in the Northwest Territories. Her mother, Snookie Catholique was born in Łutsel k’e and grew up in residential school in the Territories, while her father, Bruce Valpy, grew up in Montreal and Percé, Quebec. Having her foot in both worlds, shapes and guides who she is today.
Shëné currently resides in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories with her partner and three children and it is important to her that they understand the importance of activism, especially with Indigenous culture, while providing them with a safe nurturing upbringing.
Shëné has spent the last 6 years advocating for the recognition of the traditional language specifically; spelling, proper orthography and diacritics for Indigenous names on official documents. She is now working for the Arctic Funders Collaborative as the Communications Coordinator.
Shëné hopes to continue her education in Midwifery in the future by advocating and making sure midwives are available to the young mothers who travel to Yellowknife, NT, as she believes the Indigenous mothers are the key to cultural roots.
Shëné attends the annual Hide Camp in Łutsel k’e every year with her children to learn to tan hides and brings her knowledge home to continue this tradition. Shëné tries to travel often to Łutsel k’e multiple times a year by air or water to stay connected to the land. She carries on the role her parents did for her by making sure her children know where they are from so they can feel proud and confident of all their roots.
A passionate singer/songwriter and soulful performer, Leela Gilday has a voice that comes straight from the heart. Confessing her stories to her audiences with a gutsy voice and open stage presence, Gilday weaves her experiences as a Northerner, a member of the Dene nation, and a traveler into a beautiful world that transports the listener.
With four full-length recordings and a long touring history, Gilday has numerous awards to her credit, including a Juno, two Western Canadian Music Awards, Aboriginal Female Entertainer of the Year to name a few. Above all, she seeks connection with her audiences through music, and with each record brings more unique stories to the world. Whether it’s an anthem for the oppressed, or an upbeat song about mortality, she infuses her songs with a sense of humour as well as a sense of social justice, and an ironic appreciation of human folly.
Based out of Yellowknife, NT, Leela has toured festivals and concert halls with her four-piece band through every province and territory in Canada. She has also played internationally in several countries including Japan, US, Greenland, Denmark, and New Zealand. Her live shows, and many appearances on television and radio have earned her an important place in the Aboriginal music scene, as well as a loyal mainstream following.
Kristy is from and resides in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut (northern Labrador). She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Acadia University and a Master of Arts in Tourism Management from Royal Roads University.
Kristy is a senior manager with the Nunatsiavut Government. Her career has been focused on community development. As Nunatsiavut’s first Director of Tourism, she helped establish the region as a tourism destination. Kristy transitioned into the role of Director of Economic Development in 2016. At the Governor General Canadian Leadership Conference (2017), she was recognized as one of the 250 up-and-coming leaders in Canada.
Kristy is an active member with industry organizations/companies including SmartICE, the Nunatsiavut Group of Companies and the Economic Development Association of NL
Shawna McLeod is of Dene and Mètis heritage, originally from Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, but has spent most of her teen years living in, and is currently in Yellowknife, NT. She is a member of the Deh Gáh Got’íé First Nations. She has completed the Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization through a partnership between the University of Victoria and Aurora College. She has completed the Mentor-Apprentice program where she has begun the journey of learning her native language of Dene Zhatié. She has studied Professional Photography at the Western Academy of Photography in Victoria, BC where she has won awards for her work. Shawna is currently enrolled in the Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship Program.
McLeod’s career to date has focused on Sport and Recreation, and the development of Northern Games, Dene Games and Archery. Shawna is employed by the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the Northwest Territories. Recently Shawna was the Chef De Mission for Team NT at the North American Indigenous Games in Toronto, Ontario. She is passionate about building positive relationships and connecting with youth in communities across the North, a big part of her responsibility is to train community-based instructors in Northern and Dene Games who in turn will encourage youth to participate and stay connected with their heritage and culture.
Outside of work, McLeod enjoys learning new skills and is currently learning the craft of moose hair tufting, moose hide tanning, and porcupine quilling. She continues to hone her skills at beading and sewing. Shawna loves being out on the land with her partner and their three children, especially when it includes camping along the Mackenzie river or snowmobiling in the cold northern landscape. Shawna loves to take pictures of nature, family portraits and most of all networking with people of similar interests.
I am Cynthia Gaudreault, born in Kuujjuaq 30 years ago to a québécoise mother and Inuk father. I am a mother to a beautiful baby girl named Lavilu. Speaking English, French and Inuktitut has always been important for me in order to communicate and connect with my nunavimmiunguqatiit, people from Nunavik. Growing up, I had to navigate between two worlds since I went to school in the southern parts of Canada surrounded by my mothers family and lived in Kuujjuaq every summers and holidays to reunite with my father’s side. As a young adult, I studied Psychology at Université Laval in Québec city and decided to take a break from my studies to get to work after earning a Certificate. I have always been passionate about youth and the well being of the region I call home, which is what made me accept the role of Anti-bullying Consultant at Kativik Ilisarniliriniq – formerly known as Kativik School Board. This important work led me to travel to all 14 communities in Nunavik to visit each of their schools. I collaborated with different members to revise school intervention plans, review preventive activities and connect student counsellors as well as teachers to different funding opportunities that would help put to life the various projects planned for students. Since the past 4 years, I focused my energy on helping youth at a more local level as a student counsellor that specifically works to improve mental health for students ranging from grade 4 to secondary 5 in Kuujjuaq. I love this work because it puts me at the forefront of witnessing the growth of young people who work hard at trying to reach their full potential and being the best version of themselves no matter the adversity they may face. Before the pandemic, I was privileged to be hired by Students on Ice as a mental health counsellor during which youth and adult professionals sailed from Greenland to Nunavut to learn about the land, oceans and their relation to the people of these regions. I got to speak with Inuit youth from all circumpolar regions, indigenous and non indigenous youth from around the world and got a sense of their interests, goals and dreams. I will forever be inspired by people who work hard for what they want and make big things happen for themselves and the improvement of their communities.
