A former Premier of Nunavut was named to the Order of Canada on Thursday
Eva Aariak, the territory's second premier, was among 103 Canadians selected to the order by Governor General Julie Payette. Aariak is being recognized for her work with Inuit language and culture working as Nunavut's firs language commissioner, an Inuktitut teacher and broadcaster.
The Order of Canada recognizes people who "make extraordinary contributions to the country."
"More than 7 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country," states the Governor General's website.
Aariak is originally from Arctic Bay but now works and lives in Iqaluit selling Inuit art. Aariak has previously worked to have books published in Inuktitut.
Aariak will be joined by Olympians, doctors, actors and many other notable Canadians in the new year when the recipients gather at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, ON. for the induction ceremony.