Q's Corner
Temporada 1
Kilikvak Kabloona
Sam Tilley
Victoria Perrie
Connor Faulkner
Ziggy Man
Gerald Kuehl
Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell
Tupaarnaq Kopeck
John Todd & Glenn McLean
Aluki Kotierk
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por Qunngaatalluriktuq (Tara Tootoo Fotheringham), Zac Sharpe
In this episode of Q's Corner, we're honoured to welcome Kilikvak Kabloona, an Inuk leader whose career has been dedicated to advancing Inuit rights, strengthening communities, and supporting self-determination across Nunavut. Born and raised in Baker Lake, Kilikvak has spent her career serving Inuit through leadership in public service and northern governance. She began working with the Government of Nunavut in 2004 as a political advisor to cabinet ministers and premiers before being appointed Associate Deputy Minister responsible for Quality of Life. In that role, she contributed to government efforts to address Nunavut's suicide crisis and helped support the development of a funded five-year action plan focused on wellness, mental health, and the creation of Nunavut's first trauma and addictions treatment centre. From 2018 to 2026, Kilikvak served as the first woman Chief Executive Officer of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), working alongside elected Inuit leadership to advance the implementation of the Nunavut Agreement and advocate for Inuit rights, self-determination, land claims implementation, and social policy. A graduate of Thompson Rivers University and the University of Calgary, Kilikvak combines her professional experience with a lifelong connection to Inuit culture and community. An avid hunter and seamstress, she continues to embrace traditional Inuit ways of life and values, reflecting the importance of Inuit knowledge, language, culture, and community-based leadership. In this episode, Kilikvak shares insights from her years in public service, discusses the importance of Inuit-led decision-making, and reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing Nunavut today. Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and building a stronger future for Inuit communities.
In this episode of Q’s Corner, we’re joined by Sam Tilley, an Inuk entrepreneur and community advocate based in Iqaluit, Nunavut. As a part owner of 979 Outfitting & Logistics, a 100% Inuit-owned and operated company, Sam is committed to supporting Nunavut through Inuit-led business and community engagement. An avid hunter with a deep respect for the land, he is passionate about preserving Inuit culture, sharing traditional knowledge, and encouraging youth to spend time on the land. He believes the skills, values, and lessons learned through hunting and harvesting are an important part of Inuit identity. Through his community involvement, Sam is dedicated to strengthening conversations that create positive change and opportunities for others. He believes in leading with integrity, accountability, and respect for both people and Inuit traditions. Above all, Sam is the proud father of his beautiful 8 year old daughter, Isla, who inspires him every day to lead with purpose and to help build a stronger future for the next generation. In this episode, Sam joins us for an honest and meaningful conversation about sexual assault, assault, and the role men can play in supporting survivors and becoming stronger advocates for women. Together, we explore the importance of listening, taking responsibility, and fostering communities where respect, accountability, and safety are shared values.
In this episode of Q’s Corner, we’re joined by Victoria Perrie, a 2S Métis-Cree lawyer, business leader, and advocate for Indigenous justice and economic empowerment. As the founder and CEO of Marrow Law and Kíwétinohk Consulting, Victoria works at the intersection of law, business, and community development. With experience in criminal defence, wills and estates, Indigenous legal advocacy, and strategic consulting, she brings a unique perspective to conversations around justice, governance, and creating opportunities for Indigenous communities. Victoria currently serves as Vice President of the Indigenous Bar Association and is known for making legal education more accessible through her TikTok account @arcticlawyer, where she shares information about law, rights, and navigating legal systems. Her work is grounded in a commitment to equity, self-determination, and ensuring Indigenous perspectives are at the forefront of legal and business conversations. Through her consulting practice, Victoria supports communities and organizations in navigating legal frameworks, strengthening governance structures, and advancing economic opportunities rooted in Indigenous sovereignty. Throughout her career, Victoria has worked with organizations across Canada and internationally, including the Law Society of Nunavut, Global Affairs Canada, the National Judicial Institute, the United Nations, and the Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association’s Sexualized War Crimes Working Group. She has led justice-focused initiatives, provided strategic policy guidance, and supported efforts that centre Indigenous leadership and decision-making. Recognized for her leadership, Victoria is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Red River Métis Business Excellence Award. In this episode, Victoria shares her experiences in law, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, while discussing the importance of Indigenous-led solutions, access to education, and creating pathways for future generations of Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs.
In this episode of Q's Corner, we sit down with Connor Faulkner, a biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada whose work is helping to expand our understanding of fish populations and aquatic ecosystems across Nunavut. Born and raised in Rankin Inlet, Connor developed a deep connection to the land and water from an early age through hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. His passion for Arctic char and northern ecosystems led him to pursue a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Honours) at the University of Manitoba, where he researched the diets of sea-run Arctic char populations in Repulse Bay, Nunavut. Following his undergraduate studies, Connor completed a Master's project in partnership with the Kivalliq Wildlife Board and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, examining the diets of Arctic char populations in Rankin Inlet and Naujaat and exploring how diet influences the colour of char meat. Today, Connor's work focuses on a wide range of fisheries and environmental research, including fish movement patterns, genetics, contaminants, microplastics, marine noise, oceanographic conditions, and the diets of species such as Arctic char, Greenland cod, capelin, lake trout, and marine sculpins. Working closely with community members and guided by Inuit knowledge, Connor is committed to addressing research priorities identified by Nunavut communities. His work reflects the value of combining science and traditional knowledge to better understand and protect the waters and wildlife of the North. Join us as Connor shares his journey from growing up in Rankin Inlet to becoming a northern researcher, and discusses the importance of community-driven science in Nunavut.
In this episode of Q’s Corner, we sit down with Ziggy Haile, a community advocate whose work has made a meaningful impact on people experiencing homelessness in Ottawa, particularly within the urban Inuit community. Originally from Ethiopia, Ziggy grew up with a strong belief in the power of community, inspired by his father's commitment to volunteering and helping others. Those early lessons in compassion and mutual support would go on to shape his life's work. After a serious leg injury at the age of 17, Ziggy's perspective on struggle, resilience, and service deepened, leading him to dedicate himself to supporting those facing some of life's greatest challenges. Working in downtown Ottawa, Ziggy witnessed firsthand the realities of homelessness and the barriers many people face. Motivated by what he saw, he became a community activist focused on building connections, providing support, and creating a sense of belonging for those who often feel forgotten. His efforts have earned him recognition, including the MAX Keeping Humanitarian Award, but as he explains in this conversation, the greatest reward has been building a community that supports one another through difficult times. Recorded alongside Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women's Association, this episode follows a day spent walking through downtown Ottawa with Ziggy, listening to stories from people with lived experience and learning more about the challenges facing urban Inuit experiencing homelessness. The conversation is honest, emotional, and deeply human, offering an important look at compassion, community, and the power of showing up for others. You can also follow Ziggy's work on Instagram at @protecttherise and on TikTok at @protecttherise613, where he shares stories, advocacy efforts, and community outreach from the front lines of his work. Tune in for a powerful conversation about service, resilience, and the importance of caring for one another.
In this episode of Q’s Corner, we’re joined by Gerald Kuehl, a Manitoba-based artist and storyteller whose work is dedicated to honouring Indigenous peoples and their cultures across Canada. We explore the intersection of art and storytelling, the responsibility of representation, and how Gerald’s work helps foster deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous communities across the country. For nearly three decades, Gerald has worked closely with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, creating highly detailed graphite portraits that are deeply rooted in photographs, oral histories, and personal research. Each piece—often taking 60 to 100 hours to complete—captures not just a likeness, but a story. Through his art, Gerald documents lives, preserves histories, and reflects the courage, humour, and strength of the individuals and communities he works with. His commitment goes beyond the page, with participation in traditional ceremonies and ongoing engagement with cultural gatherings like powwows. His work, featured in Portraits of the North (Métis & First Nations) and Portraits of the Far North (Inuit), stands as a meaningful record of identity, experience, and cultural continuity. If you’re interested in exploring or purchasing Gerald’s incredible work, visit: https://www.geraldkuehl.com
Recorded in Winnipeg, Manitoba during Northern Perspectives 2026, Episode 6 of Q’s Corner features a conversation with Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell, a lifelong advocate and enduring voice for Inuit and northern communities across Canada. Born and raised in Eskimo Point (now Arviat), Senator Karetak-Lindell brings firsthand experience and deep understanding of the realities facing Inuit communities. Fluent in both Inuktitut and English, she spent 15 years in managerial roles with the Arviat Housing Association and Eskimo Point Lumber Supply before entering federal politics. In 1997, she made history as the first Member of Parliament for the newly created riding of Nunavut and the first female MP for the Eastern Arctic, serving four consecutive terms over 11 years. During her time in Parliament, she served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and held key leadership roles on numerous parliamentary committees, including Chair and Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. She also played an important role in the negotiations leading to the establishment of Nunavut as a political jurisdiction in Canada. Following her time in Parliament, Senator Karetak-Lindell continued her public service as a consultant, speaker, instructor, and election officer. She has held leadership positions including President of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, Director of the Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship Program, and Chair of the Indigenous Knowledge Program at the International Polar Year Conference—advocating for Inuit voices on both national and global stages. Her commitment to community has remained constant throughout her career. She has served on numerous boards and councils, including the Arviat Hamlet Council, Kivalliq Regional Education Authority, Nunavut Arctic College, Nunavut Trust, and Polar Knowledge Canada, while also helping to found and support local sport and community organizations. A devoted mother of four, proud grandmother of sixteen, and great-grandmother of one, Senator Karetak-Lindell’s leadership and contributions have been recognized with her appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In this episode, she shares reflections on leadership, public service, the creation of Nunavut, and the importance of strong Inuit representation at every level.
Episode 5 of Q’s Corner features a powerful conversation with Tupaarnaq Kopeck, an Inuk woman from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) and a leading voice in Indigenous financial empowerment. With a background in banking and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Psychology, Tupaarnaq brings a unique, human-centered approach to financial education. As the founder of Money Masterlabs, her work focuses on supporting Indigenous women in building financial confidence, resilience, and independence—grounded in Indigenous values, collective care, and holistic well-being. Deeply informed by her studies in financial trauma, Tupaarnaq challenges conventional financial systems by addressing the real barriers many Indigenous people face, including the lasting impacts of colonialism and systemic inequality. Through her work, she is helping reshape conversations around money, making financial literacy more accessible, inclusive, and empowering. This is a meaningful and thought-provoking conversation recorded right at the heart of Northern Perspectives 2026—one you won’t want to miss.
Episode 4 of Q’s Corner, recorded at Northern Perspectives 2026, brings two well-known northern leaders to the table: John Todd, former Minister of Finance for the Northwest Territories, and Glenn McLean, former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for Baker Lake. This episode is packed with light-hearted banter, candid reflections, and a few choice words as John and Glenn share their personal and political journeys in the North. From the early days of territorial politics to the creation of Nunavut, they offer firsthand insight into a transformative period in northern governance. John reflects on his role in helping establish the Nunavut territorial government, negotiating foundational fiscal agreements, and eliminating budget deficits during his time as Finance Minister. Glenn shares his experience representing Baker Lake in Nunavut’s first Legislative Assembly and his commitment to staying grounded in his constituency. Together, the conversation dives into the Inuit Firm Registry, Article 23 and Article 24, Inuit entrepreneurship, and the evolving landscape of business in the North — all delivered with the honesty and humour that only lived experience can bring. If you’re interested in northern history, policy, and business — with plenty of personality along the way — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
In Episode 3 of Q’s Corner, we are honoured to welcome Aluki Kotierk, an Inuk leader and advocate dedicated to advancing Inuit rights, language, and self-determination. Born in Iqaluit in 1975, Aluki holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Native Studies from Trent University. Throughout her career, she has worked across Inuit organizations and within the Government of Nunavut, contributing to leadership in governance, language policy, employment, and training. Aluki has played a significant role within Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) and its affiliated organizations, helping guide priorities focused on empowerment, Inuit language and culture, collective healing, and strengthening Inuit identity. Internationally, she has represented Arctic peoples as a member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (2023–2028) and has served as Co-Chair on the Global Task Force for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032).