P.J. Akeeagok Explained

Honorific Prefix:The Honourable
P.J. Akeeagok
ᐱᔭᐃ ᐊᕿᐊᕈᖅ[1]
Birth Name:Pauloosie Jamesie Ageeagok
Birth Date:5 November 1984
Birth Place:Grise Fiord, Northwest Territories, Canada
Residence:Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
1Blankname:Commissioner
Order:6th
Office:Premier of Nunavut
Term Start:November 19, 2021[2]
Predecessor1:Joe Savikataaq
Office2:Member of the
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu
Term Start2:October 25, 2021
Predecessor2:Pat Angnakak
Party:Independent

Pauloosie Jamesie Akeeagok, commonly, and officially known, as P.J. Akeeagok[3] (Inuktitut: ᐱᔭᐃ ᐊᕿᐊᕈᖅ; born November 5, 1984), is a Canadian Inuk politician who in 2021 became the sixth and current premier of Nunavut.[4] He was elected a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut in the 2021 Nunavut general election.[5] He represents the electoral district of Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu.

Prior to his election to the legislature, he was president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, resigning from that position in August 2021 in preparation for the election campaign.[6]

Background and family life

Akeeagok was born on November 5, 1984[7] and raised in Grise Fiord.[8] His aunt, Pat Angnakak, served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu. His uncle, David Akeeagok, is a member of the Legislative Assembly for Quttiktuq.[9]

Political career

Akeeagok was elected to the Legislative Assembly in the territorial election in 2021. He was selected to become premier in the Nunavut Leadership Forum on November 17, 2021, and defeated incumbent premier Joe Savikataaq.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: P.J. Akeeagok. April 3, 2024. iu.
  2. Web site: MLAs sworn in by Nunavut commissioner. November 19, 2021. Nunatsiaq News.
  3. Web site: 'That boy is going to be premier one day': Meet Nunavut's P.J. Akeeagok. November 19, 2021.
  4. Web site: https://gov.nu.ca/executive-and-intergovernmental-affairs/news/premier-akeeagok-announces-cabinet-portfolios . Premier Akeeagok announces cabinet portfolios. January 27, 2024. Government of Nunavut. https://web.archive.org/web/20211121070301/https://gov.nu.ca/executive-and-intergovernmental-affairs/news/premier-akeeagok-announces-cabinet-portfolios. November 21, 2021.
  5. Madalyn Howitt, "Nunavummiut elect 11 fresh faces to territorial legislature". Nunatsiaq News, October 25, 2021.
  6. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/p-j-akeeagok-qikiqtani-inuit-association-election-1.6132784 "P.J. Akeeagok resigns as head of Qikiqtani Inuit Association, plans to run for MLA"
  7. Web site: Congratulations to PJ Akeeagok on your second term as @Qikiqtani_Inuit President. I’m happy we’ll continue working together to benefit Inuit in the region. Also, happy birthday!. December 10, 2021. Joe Savikataaq.
  8. Jane George, "P.J. Akeeagok has been selected as Nunavut's next premier". CBC North, November 17, 2021.
  9. Web site: 2021-11-19 . ‘That boy is going to be premier one day’: Meet Nunavut’s P.J. Akeeagok . 2023-06-23 . Lethbridge News Now . en.