Languages Commissioner of Nunavut: Karliin Aariak
Karliin Aariak is a dedicated advocate for Inuktut language rights and served as the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut. She was first appointed Acting Languages Commissioner in October 2019, formally appointed Languages Commissioner in February 2020 a term she completed in 2025 and reappointed to a new five-year term effective April 8, 2026.
Karliin brings a rich and diverse background shaped by over 30 years of experience in journalism and media. She has worked as a reporter, editor, producer, and host for both radio and television, collaborating with multiple broadcasters. She has also contributed extensively to film productions in both Inuktut and English.
She is widely recognized for her extensive experience in hosting, moderating, and facilitating events at community, territorial, national, and international levels, whether through broadcast media or at public and private gatherings.
Karliin is a passionate champion for the protection, revitalization, and daily use of Inuktut languages across Inuit Nunangat, with a special focus on her home territory of Nunavut, where the Office works to protect the language rights of Nunavummiut and support compliance with Nunavut’s language laws.
Building on a strong family tradition, she integrates her experience in journalism, film, policy development, administration, and legislative awareness to combat language erosion and advocate for cultural preservation, making a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.
Director of Strategic Planning and Policy: Aramide (Lola) Owoaje
Aramide (Lola) Owoaje is the Director of Strategic Planning and Policy at the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut. In this role, she works closely with the Languages Commissioner to protect the language rights of Nunavummiut. She ensures the Office is strategically positioned to fulfill its mandate by building and leading a professional team capable of investigating language complaints and making appropriate recommendations for resolution.
With a professional background in accounting, audit, policy, and investigation, Lola brings a unique skill set to her position. Having lived in Iqaluit for over 10 years before joining the Office, she has always sought meaningful ways to give back to a community that has given so much to her and her family.
Personal motivation: Passionate about the culture and language of Nunavut, Lola takes great pride in her work at the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut. She values seeing the language legislation of Nunavut respected and finds joy in helping Nunavummiut ensure their language rights are protected.
Investigation & Research Officer: Rebecca Taukie
Rebecca Taukie grew up in Kinngait for 48 years, previously lived in three other communities. With her late husband, Joe Taukie, she raised a family of five children while also experiencing the Residential School system firsthand.
She dedicated many years of her career to serving as a school secretary and DEA Office Manager before relocating to Iqaluit in 2019 to pursue a two-year Interpreting/Translator program. She completed the program in 2022 with the highest marks and honours. Rebecca then joined the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut as an Investigation and Research Officer, where she reviews complaints to determine their admissibility under the Official Languages Act or the Inuktut Protection Act.
Personal motivation: Rebecca is deeply committed to preserving the strength of Inuktut. She continues to expose her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to Inuktut daily, ensuring that they carry the language forward for generations to come. generations.
Communications Specialist: Cedric Samy Yann Kam
Cedric Samy Yann Kam is the Communications Specialist at the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut.
In this role, he manages the Office’s internal and external communications, including the website, social media presence, publications, campaigns, and outreach materials that promote awareness about language rights. He also supports the team by ensuring that all communications are clear, accessible, and respectful of Nunavut's three official languages: Inuktut (Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun), English, and French.
Personal motivation: With a strong background in communications and administration, Cedric believes that language is not only a tool for communication but also a bridge to identity, culture, and a sense of belonging. His work at the Office contributes to the protection and promotion of language rights, helping to ensure that every Nunavummiut can fully live in the language of their choice.