Tagak Curley

Tagak Curley (born 1944) is an Inuit leader, politician and businessman. As a prominent figure in the negotiations that led to the creation of Nunavut, Tagak is considered a living father of confederation in Canada. He was born in a hunting camp at Coral Harbour, Northwest Territories (now Nunavut). 

Tagak Curley is the Founding President of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories from 1979 to 1987. During his tenure, he held a variety of Ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Economic Development. He is also the former President of the Nunavut Construction Corporation.

I
n the February 2004 Nunavut general election, Tagak was acclaimed to represent the constituency of Rankin Inlet North. He was also acclaimed in the October 2008 general election. He is currently the Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister responsible for Nunavut Housing Corporation, Minister responsible for Homelessness, as well as Government House Leader. 

In 1998, Tagak Curley was awarded the Aboriginal Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the business world. On October 24, 2003, he was invested into the Order of Canada.