Manitoba Inuit Association

Board of Directors

Goota Ashoona ᒎᑕ ᐊᓲᓐᓇ

I am an Inuit artist (carving, sewing, drawing, throat singing) from Cape Dorset, NU. I left my family home in 1994, moved to Yellowknife, NWT, now I am living in Winnipeg, MB since 2017. I used to work at a school teaching and storytelling of how my grandparents and parents lived on the land, I among many things, I learned to carve from my parents. I am currently working at the Winnipeg Art Gallery part-time. I am a mother of twins. Now a new board member of IAM-MIA.

Judy Clark ᔫᑎ ᑲᓛᓐ

I am originally from Churchill, Manitoba (Kuugjuaq ᑯᒡᔪᐊᖅ meaning "great river") and an Inuk beneficiary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, Whale Cove, Nunavut (Tikirarjuaq ᑎᑭᕋᕐᔪᐊᖅ which translates to "long point"). My mother is Inuk and father is northern European. I currently work as Inuit Health Research Coordinator with Ongomiizwin/University of Manitoba, and as a Community Inuit Advisor for Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC). My background is in the medical field as a nurse for 32 years (1988-2019). I have experience working in mental health, community health, and psychogeriatrics. It has been a fulfilling career in nursing. My work with Inuit health has already been quite enlightening and engaging with the Inuit communities of Manitoba, Nunavut, and abroad. My work is centred around the social determinants of Inuit health and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (or IQ Principles) and incorporating those principles and values into my work. Current research involvement includes Qanuinngitsiarutiksait, Tools for Wellbeing; Inuit child welfare and apprehensions (UofC), perinatal care, access to quality medical care, Niqittiavak & Resilience (traditional food and mental health study - UofA). I am also taking a 2-year online program at McMaster University. I continue to work with and guided by Inuit Elders, knowledge keepers, Inuit community members, governments, partnerships, key stakeholders, and other committees/boards to help make the changes that will enable Inuit families to be safe, healthy, and well. It is a privilege to work with such knowledgeable, inspiring people!

I work with those who are dedicated to honor Truth & Reconciliation and to make those changes to reflect equity with the services they provide.

Ma'na/Qujannamiik/Nakurmiik/Thank you,

Renee Rose Nakoolak ᒫᑭ ᓇᑯᓛᒃ

Hello my name is Renee Rose Nakoolak, I'm originally from Coral Harbour. I have 3 children and we moved to Winnipeg back in December 2023. I like to keep busy, I enjoy sewing winter gear for my family. I am currently in college and I'm taking hair styling program. I'm excited to see what the future holds for me!

Joanie French (Masak) ᔪᐊᓂ ᕗᕌᓐᔅ

I am an Inuk community member currently living in Stockton, Manitoba, with family roots across the Western Arctic and Nunavut. My Inuit name is Masak, a name shared with my grandmother, Alice Masak French, an Inuvialuit author born in 1930 on Baillie-Hamilton Island in the Northwest Territories. Her memoir My Name is Masak shares her childhood experiences and the challenges Inuit families faced while preserving culture and tradition during a time of significant change.

Leadership and community service are deeply rooted in my family. My great-grandfather, Charlie Smith, is remembered through archival recordings and oral histories for sharing traditional knowledge and stories that helped preserve Inuvialuit culture. I am also proud to be related to my cousin Dwayne Smith, who currently serves as Chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC). These connections remind me of the importance of leadership, cultural continuity, and responsibility to our communities.

Although I currently live in Manitoba, my family remains closely connected to the North, including relatives living in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Maintaining these connections to our culture, language, and communities continues to be an important part of my life.

My background includes work in administration, governance, and community engagement supporting Indigenous organizations and leadership initiatives. I am also the founder of Nuna Events, an Indigenous-owned initiative focused on sustainability, storytelling, and building meaningful connections between communities and organizations.

I am honoured to serve on the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Inuit Association, where I hope to contribute to strengthening Inuit community, supporting Inuit families, and helping future generations remain connected to our culture and heritage.

Quana / Thank you.