Remembering Peter Kritaqliluk

Speaking on behalf of the Nunavut Implementation Training Committee (NITC), Vice Chairperson Paul Quassa expressed the organization's sorrow at the death of Chairperson Peter Kritaqliluk, who died in Arviat on Saturday, August 27, after a long battle with cancer.

"Peter's contribution to the NITC was immeasurable," said Quassa, a long-time friend and associate, speaking from Igloolik. "His commitment to training, to development, and to opportunities for Inuit - especially for Inuit youth - inspired all of us who worked with him over the years. We offer sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched over the years."

Peter Kritaqliluk held many positions of public trust over the years. He served terms as the Mayor of Arviat, and as mayor participated in the negotiation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. He was a founding member of the Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board, chaired the Nunavut Trust from 1990 to 2002, and served on the Board of Directors of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, and many other important Nunavut organizations.

"He was a busy man with a big heart, and he worked all his life for Inuit," said Dorothy Merritt, CEO of NITC."He had been ill for some time, but right up until the end he stayed engaged and committed. He was still concerned about NITC, our plans, and the students and organizations he had worked with and helped over the years. He made a big difference in our lives, and in the development of Nunavut. And he will be missed."