February 3, 2026

Check against delivery

I’m happy to be part of this important conversation here at Arctic Frontiers.

We’re at a pivotal moment for the Arctic.

More than ever, we need to remind the world how essential co-operation is, and how crucial it is to make space for the voices and perspectives of people from the North, especially Indigenous women.

Indigenous women contribute in so many ways.

Through education, community leadership, environmental stewardship, science, and in peace and security.

In Canada’s North, for example, Inuit women play a vital role in strengthening our defence systems.

Their deep knowledge of the Arctic helps guide our military and security efforts. They help build trust between communities across our vast territory.

As mothers, artists and teachers, Indigenous women hold communities together. They carry languages and cultures forward for future generations.

And as leaders in politics, diplomacy and public service, they know what their communities are living through. They bring real issues to the forefront, which leads to better decisions and real progress.

Indigenous women are driving meaningful change.

That’s why we need to keep supporting their leadership with strong educational opportunities and meaningful mentoring.

Leadership is rooted in confidence.

For me, what helped the most was realizing that my culture and my experience as an Inuk woman made me a unique leader—that my perspective was worth listening to.

My grandmother was one of my greatest mentors.

She didn’t speak English and didn’t have access to telecommunications, but she was confident that Inuit traditional knowledge was as sound and as rich as any other. She passed on her pride in our culture.

And that gave me the courage to advocate for Inuit rights, and to have the hard conversations on issues that divide us.

I want to encourage Indigenous women to bring their culture into their work, and to draw strength from it.

We must keep pushing to break down the barriers we still face.

Barriers like discrimination, violence and harassment, including that found online.

I’ve experienced this myself.

Around the world, this kind of violence pushes too many women out of leadership—or stops them from stepping forward in the first place.

And when that happens, we all lose.

Looking around this room, I’m inspired by the incredible Indigenous women who are here today.

Remember that you have a vital role to play. Your leadership is essential to building stronger communities and a more peaceful world.

I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts, especially from the young leaders with us.

Merci. Thank you. Nakurmiik.