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.
Intake Specialist: Wendy Makpah
Wendy Makpah-Tatty is the Intake Specialist at the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut. She serves as the first point of contact for any complaints related to the territory’s four official languages. She joined the Office in October 2024.
In addition to her role, Wendy is a Registered Massage Therapist by trade and enjoys sewing and teaching. As an Inuk bilingual mother, she is deeply committed to keeping the Inuktitut language alive for future generations. For her, it is essential to see Inuktitut included alongside English and French in public spaces, as, it affirms the importance of Inuktut and Inuit identity in Nunavut.
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.
Junior Investigation & Research Officer: Ayette Tshimanga
Ayette Tshimanga is a Junior Investigation & Research Officer at the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut. In this role, she handles complaints received by the Office, from defining the admissibility of concerns to conducting investigations and supporting private organizations in developing and implementing their Inuktut Language Plans.
Personal motivation: Aware that two Indigenous languages disappear every month worldwide, Ayette understands that her work contributes to the protection and promotion of Inuktut, which is the core of her motivation. Through her role, she assists organizations in Nunavut in fulfilling their language obligations under the Official Languages Act and the Inuktut Protection Act, ensuring that the language continues to thrive for future generations.
Research and Media Coordinator: Philippe Andy Desgrottes
Philippe Andy Desgrottes is the Research and Media Coordinator at the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut. In this role, he is responsible for conducting research, collecting data through surveys, contributing to the annual report, and preparing recommendations. He also works closely with the Director of Strategic Planning and Policy on broader initiatives that support the Office’s mandate.
Personal motivation: Philippe is passionate about contributing to causes greater than himself, particularly language revitalization and the protection of language rights. He believes that strong languages are vital to strengthening both identity and community across Nunavut.
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.