Gerry Kisoun becomes NWT commissioner in Inuvik ceremony

Inuvialuit-Gwich’in Elder Gerry Kisoun formally assumed the role of NWT commissioner at a swearing-in ceremony held in Inuvik on Tuesday.

In front of more than 100 people at the town’s Midnight Sun Complex, Kisoun was serenaded by the Delta Good Time Band and Nolan Kasook before accepting the position, which comes with a five-year term.

“I’m going to be proud to serve you guys for the next five years,” Kisoun told the audience.

“I believe in the people of the Northwest Territories. Our strength, kindness and resourcefulness. Our ability to help one another and support one another,” he said, paying tribute to his late wife, Rosa.

“Right now, it is a bit hard to remain positive about the world. But I think there is something we have that the rest of the world doesn’t: almost every NWT resident can step outside their door and, within minutes, be on the land,” Kisoun continued, joking about his tan and adding: “We’ve been having some pretty good sledding days, lately.”

His appointment was originally announced by the Prime Minister’s Office last month. He takes over from Margaret Thom, who had served as commissioner since 2017.

The NWT’s commissioner performs various ceremonial roles, overseeing the assent of legislation in the territory and holding formal responsibility for a range of appointments plus the swearing-in of MLAs.

They are also ambassadors of sorts for the territory – and for their home communities.

“It’s amazing for us,” said Denny Rodgers, the Inuvik Boot Lake MLA.

“They could not have picked a better person. Gerry is so well-respected, such an amazing storyteller and just a real classy individual.

“It’s nice to have someone who understands the needs of the smaller communities, and that life is a little different.”

NWT Speaker of the House Shane Thompson said the commissioner had to be someone who “has the interests of northerners at heart, and expresses the values and aspirations of all northerners.”

“I believe Commissioner Kisoun is ideal for this position,” Thompson said. “He has served the people of the Beaufort Delta for over 40 years.”

“You are a role model to many,” he told Kisoun, “and a great fit.”

Kisoun becomes the 18th Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.

Born in the Mackenzie Delta, he served in the RCMP in Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik, Alberta and the Yukon from 1971 to 1996, a biography prepared for Tuesday’s occasion stated. He then spent 17 years in Parks Canada’s Western Arctic Field Unit.

He became the NWT’s deputy commissioner in 2011, serving in that role till 2017. He has four children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“Gerry Kisoun’s journey is a testament to the values of hard work, integrity and community spirit,” Mayor of Inuvik Clarence Wood said in a tribute.

“Born and raised in Inuvik, he has always been deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the North.

“His passion for the well-being of his community and his tireless efforts to advocate for its people have made him a respected figure not only in Inuvik but across the entire territory.”