The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the following staff members:

Mr. George Quviq Qulaut, Chief Negotiator

George joined QIA in January of 2022.  George is a politician who was elected to the Legislative Assembly in the 2013 election, where he served a full term MLA and Speaker, representing the Amittuq district.

He studied at Algonquin College in Ottawa and worked at the Igloolik Eastern Research Centre for 14 years. He was a QIA Community Director in Igloolik for 9 years, and Chairman of QC.

George is proud to say he has 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Ms. Karen Flaherty, Director, Strategic Communications

Karen joined QIA in February 2022. She has most recently worked as the Assistant Director of Communications at NTI, and Manager of Communications, Education and Outreach within the Government of Nunavut. Karen is an Alumni and sits as a Regional co-chair for Nunavut’s 2022 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference

Mr. Richard Paton, Senior Director of Projects

Richard recently moved into the Senior Director of Projects role at QIA. Richard joined QIA in July of 2020. Richard is an accomplished communicator, leader and strategist.  Previously he held Senior Management positions within several departments of the Government of Nunavut and was Chief Operating Officer for NTI.  He is the proud father of 5 boys and loves technology.

Ms. Adeline Salomonie, Director of Marine and Wildlife

Adeline just joined QIA on March 7, 2022. Adeline has progressive management experience and has held several positions within the Government of Nunavut, such as Director of Human Resources, Manager of Public Service Training, Manager of Inuit Employment Initiatives and Sivuliqtiksat Coordinator.  Adeline completed the Hivuliqtikhanut Leadership Program with advanced standing through Dalhousie University and continues her professional development with Public Administration university courses.

Ms. Virginia Mearns, Senior Director Inuit Relations    

Virginia joined QIA on March 21, 2022. She most recently worked for the Government of Nunavut, where she held several Executive level positions over the past seven years. Prior to working at the Government of Nunavut, Virginia worked for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. for 11 years. Virginia’s work included files in the Social and Cultural Development department of NTI, and strategic planning with the department of the Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.

“I am extremely proud to announce that QIA has hired a competent team of Inuit leadership with broad and rich experience in the different sectors of Nunavut. I feel confident that each individual will meaningfully contribute towards QIA’s mandate and priority files.”  Said QIA President Olayuk Akesuk.

With these recent staffing changes, QIA is now seeking candidates for the position of Director of IQ and Engagement.