(1947-Present)

Levinia Nuqaalaq Brown, born in 1947 at Dawson Inlet, south of Whale Cove, Nunavut, is a trailblazing Inuk politician whose career is defined by her deep commitment to community empowerment and social justice. A proud member of the Inuit community, she was raised in an era where services were scarce, yet she grew to become a leading figure in her territory’s political landscape, breaking barriers for women in leadership roles.

Brown’s journey into politics and community leadership began long before she became the first female mayor of Rankin Inlet. A passionate advocate for her community, she worked tirelessly on the hamlet’s council, becoming a force for change. She recognized early on the importance of giving people the information they needed to make informed decisions, particularly when it came to land issues. Her leadership extended to educational and social reforms, where she helped establish the Eastern Arctic Teacher Education Program, which later evolved into the Nunavut Teacher Education Program, ensuring future generations of Inuit students had the tools they needed to thrive.

Her political career took off in 2004 when she was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove. Once in office, she was quickly recognized for her strong leadership skills and was appointed Deputy Premier by Premier Paul Okalik. As Minister of Health and Social Services, Brown worked to balance the critical need for social reform with economic development, advocating for a more prosperous, healthier, and empowered Nunavut.

Throughout her time in office, Brown championed a variety of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nunavummiut. One of her key achievements was helping secure funding for the creation of a trade school in Rankin Inlet, now known as Sanatuliqsarvik or the Nunavut Trades Training Centre. This initiative opened doors to career training for many in the region, offering a new avenue for employment and skills development.

In 2008, after a closely contested re-election bid, Brown lost her seat to Lorne Kusugak. However, her dedication to her people did not waver. She continued to fight for the rights of Inuit, running for president of the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) in 2016 with a platform focused on elder care, food prices, financial transparency, and employment. She recognized the challenges faced by her community, from high unemployment to the lack of proper elderly care services, and offered practical solutions that ranged from improved training opportunities to advocating for a direct road between Manitoba and Nunavut to reduce food costs.

Brown’s candidness about the challenges of Nunavut, including housing poverty and inadequate medical resources, has made her a key voice in political discourse. She has always been an outspoken advocate for proportional Inuit representation in government, emphasizing the need for a government that better reflects the demographics of the territory.

In her personal life, Brown has always been a champion for family and tradition. Raised in a time when healthcare was scarce, she credits her father with delivering her in Dawson Inlet in the absence of medical professionals. She has a deep connection to her community and the traditions of her people, often reflecting on the importance of family and cultural practices, including Christmas celebrations where people gathered, shared gifts, and participated in outdoor games.

Brown’s remarkable life is a testament to her perseverance, passion for social change, and unwavering dedication to her community. As a mother of ten, including three custom adopted children, she has balanced her family life with a career of tireless public service, making an indelible impact on the political and social fabric of Nunavut. Whether as a political leader, educator, or advocate, Levinia Nuqaalaq Brown’s legacy is one of transformative leadership, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to creating a better future for all Inuit.