I’m Peter T. Irniq, born in 1947, and an Inuit cultural teacher and consultant with deep roots in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. Throughout my life, I’ve lived in various regions, including the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and now Ottawa, Ontario. I served two terms in the Territorial Council of the N.W.T., representing the Keewatin and Aivilik regions, where I advocated for Inuit representation in the civil service, education, and business.

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In 1998, I became the Deputy Minister of Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth in the new government of Nunavut, with the responsibility of safeguarding Inuit culture and language. Later, I was appointed Commissioner of Nunavut, where I worked tirelessly to preserve Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit Traditional Knowledge) and promote the culture through my work with elders and youth.

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I’ve had the privilege of advising on various national and international platforms, including The Museum of History’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and have consulted at conferences such as Inuit Studies in Paris, as well as traveled to China and Mongolia. I also write, counsel, and engage in cultural expression through drum dancing and building Inuksuk for museums, governments, and universities.

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My greatest achievement has been promoting Inuit culture, language, and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit globally. In addition to my work as an Inuit Elder for inmates at federal institutions, I’ve taught Inuit culture across Canada and the world, including drum-making workshops in Nunavik, in communities like Puvirnituq, Inukjuak, Aupaluk, Quaqtaq, and Kangiqsujuaq.