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Tagaaq Evaluardjuk-PalmerI was born near Igloolik, lived near Pond Inlet on a traditional camp as a child, and grew up in Iqaluit. As a child, I attended the Apex Federal Day School from 1960-1967, then attended Churchill Vocational School and Keewatin Community College. I first moved to Manitoba in 1980, living in Churchill, Thompson, Winnipeg, and now in Brandon.
I have been a member of the Inuit Elders Executive Council on the Qanuinngitsiarutiksait Project with Ongomiizwin Research-Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing at University of Manitoba, Faculty of Health Sciences since 2018, which focuses on how Inuit concepts of wellness can be used to create healing programs in Winnipeg that reflect Inuit values I am also one of three Inuit members with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Survivor’s Circle. I am a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and I enjoy being involved in community events and educational programming. Since moving to Manitoba, I have volunteered in different capacities for the past 30+ years, including addictions recovery and self-help groups in Thompson. I have been a board member on the YWCA in Thompson, the Midwifery Council of Manitoba, the Grandparent Council in Brandon, the Manitoba Inuit Association, and an Inuit Knowledge keeper at Brandon University Indigenous Education Senate Sub-Committee. I still volunteer with self-help groups in Brandon area, when I can, and do various cultural presentations in Brandon. |
Meet Levinia and learn more about why this research is important to her: https://bit.ly/KtCHLevinia
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Levinia Nuqaalaq BrownI am a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. We have a family now that includes 5 generations.
In residential school I could not speak my language or sing my songs so I felt silenced. Due to the shame and lack of belongingness experienced in residential school, we experienced a significant loss of culture and language. But I have hope. Young people are learning the language and getting our culture back by participating in things like throatsinging, drum dancing, sewing, hunting, and Inuit games. Investing in programs, projects and services that promote community wellness will strengthen children, youth, families, and our communities. I have dedicated my life to advocating for and promoting community leadership to bolster health, education, employment, and social services for Inuit in Nunavut. I have been an educator, I served the community of Rankin Inlet as the first woman mayor, and was elected as Deputy Premier to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut in 2004. My career journey and life experience have provided me with many opportunities to meet and learn from many people, participate in events and ceremonies, and to heal. I am a member of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Governing Circle, I am an Elder and advisor at Red River College Polytechnic and the University of Winnipeg, I am the regional chairperson for the Elder Advisory committee with Agnico Eagle Mines, and I am the Inuk Grandmother with the Elders Council for Clan Mothers’ Healing Village. I also received an honourary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Manitoba in 2022. My experience as a municipal leader, legislative member, and certified nursing assistant, along with my lived experience being born and raised on Inuit land offers me insights and knowledge to share with the project team. Finally, I am grateful my mother taught me how to sew. I sew traditional wall hangings and I find it therapeutic, relaxing and meditative. |
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