AIP Community

Selection committees

Region Managers (RMs) for the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) serve an important role in connecting, informing and supporting the growth of the AIP within each community in their region. Together with their regional AIP team*, they inform, build new relationships, and invite new members to join the AIP community working together to inspire and support the success of northern led innovative initiatives.
* The AIP community / team in each region consists of co-owners, partners, patrons, ambassadors, selection committee members, laureates, and other AIP supporters.

Desiree Coad-Broeren

Yukon Region Manager

Desiree Coad-Broeren

Yukon Region Manager

Hi everyone,

My name is Desiree Coad-Broeren, I was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon. I am a proud member of Ta’an Kwach’an Council (TKC), and I am a part of the wolf clan. I come from a fairly large family and have 6 sisters.

I have heard about the Arctic Inspiration Prize in previous years but didn’t get a full grasp of what the prize was until I stepped into the role of the Yukon Regional Manager and attended my first awards ceremony. I am very excited and am looking forward to building new and meaningful working relationships throughout the Yukon and across the Arctic.

When I’m not doing AIP, I work for Da Daghay Development Corporation (DDDC) as a Business Analyst specializing in Procurement and Partnership. I’ve been with DDDC for just over 3 years and have gained experience in administration, finance and HR before assuming my current role.

My educational background includes culinary certifications, procurement, economic development, First Nations board governance and a business specialization course consisting of marketing, financial accounting, corporate finance and operations management.

I look forward to working with the AIP and learning about the new projects to come!

Lois Philipp

NWT Regional Manager

Lois Philipp

NWT Regional Manager

A long time resident of Fort Providence, NWT, Lois Philipp has dedicated her life to improving the well-being of youth in the Deh Cho First Nations region. As Principal of the Deh Gáh Elementary & Secondary School, she worked tirelessly to adapt the school’s programming and scheduling, resulting in higher attendance rates and a significant increase in the number of students attending post-secondary educational institutions. Lois is the recipient of many awards, including: 2016 – Leadership Award in Indigenous Education from Indspire, 2013 – Canada’s Outstanding Principals from the Learning Partnership, 2011 – Award of Excellence from NWT Recreation and Parks Association, 2017 NYA Builder Award from Northern Youth Abroad, and 2019 AIP Laureate – Northern Compass. Driven by her passion to provide innovative approaches to education and community development, Lois is the founder of Northern Loco, a 100% Indigenous-owned company with a mission to create sustainable futures for northern communities.

Peggy Day

Inuvialuit Settlement Region Trustee; ISR Regional Manager

Peggy Day

Inuvialuit Settlement Region Trustee; ISR Regional Manager

I have lived in the North all my life and grew up and raised my children and now raising my grandchildren. My mother taught me to treat people the way I want to be treated. In my walk this is what I adhere to every day and have taught my children.

Living in the North can be hard, especially with the cost of living. The access to basic healthcare, which can be a challenge. The housing crisis also has a very big impact on our NWT residents. With the financial help from the Arctic Inspiration Prize we have been able to support so many clients who are homeless and can now access a day shelter space where they are out of the elements. Winter time from the cold, and summer time from the heat and bugs. They have access to meals and programs, or just to sit and relax in a safe space.

Darlene Nuqingaq

Nunavut Regional Manager

Darlene Nuqingaq

Nunavut Regional Manager

Hi! My name is Darlene Nuqingaq. I am happy to be part of the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) team as the Nunavut Region Manager. I look forward to collaborating with you and other Nunavummiut to spread the good news about the Arctic Inspiration Prize across our territory to support and encourage more people in our region to become AIP laureates.

Do you have an idea to make your community / region / territory / our north stronger? … And need seed funding to make your dream become reality? If so, find out how to apply to the Arctic Inspiration Prize here.

For more information, please email me at: [email protected]

Siasi Kanarjuak

Nunavik Region Manager

Jessica Winters

Nunatsiavut Region Manager

Jessica Winters

Nunatsiavut Region Manager

Hi everyone. My name is Jessica Winters, I am from Makkovik, Nunatsiavut. I am so happy to be working with the AIP as the Nunatsiavut Region Manager. I have been an admirer of this prize since I first heard of it in 2017, and am excited to help create more awareness of it in my region.

I am trained as a biologist with an undergraduate degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, but currently work as a self-employed artist. Both my work in the sciences and art advocate for the preservation of the environment, and inherently, Inuit culture and values.

I have a huge passion for youth empowerment and overall well-being especially among marginalized communities. In 2020 I created a mural project that employed 4 teenagers to create a large outdoor mural over the summer in our home of Makkovik. These types of projects give me a huge sense of purpose and are things I hope to see made possible with the Arctic Inspiration Prize.