Natan Obed will remain president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), the national Inuit organization, for another term.
Obed, first elected to the position in 2015, was re-elected at the end of the organization’s 2018 annual general meeting, in Inuvik, on Thursday.
He was challenged by former MP Peter Ittinuar and Peter Williamson, a former policy analyst.
“I am humbled by your faith in me for a second term,” said Obed.
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“I will ensure we continue to have improved relations between our Inuit regions in the way in which we undertake our work, and pledge to do more to communicate with all Inuit … to promote unity.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to hold this job and I look forward to working with all of you and all Inuit.”
Thirteen representatives from the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and Nunavut were eligible to cast votes.
Addressing delegates before they voted, Obed said he had used his first term to bolster ITK’s staffing levels and grow the organization’s budget threefold.
Obed also pointed to the creation of a National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy in 2016, investments aimed at eliminating tuberculosis in Inuit communities, and work to address climate change.
ITK exists to represent the rights and interests of 65,000 Inuit in Canada, most residing in 51 northern communities spread across roughly 35 percent of Canada’s landmass.
