Inuvik elder Gerry Kisoun to be the N.W.T.'s next commissioner

CBC
Fri, April 19, 2024 


Gerry Kisoun was been named by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the next commissioner of the Northwest Territories on Friday. (Karli Zschogner/CBC - image credit)


Gerry Kisoun will be the next commissioner of the Northwest Territories, according to an announcement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office on Friday afternoon.

The Inuvialuit-Gwich'in elder worked for the RCMP for 25 years, serving in Tuktoyaktuk and Inuvik, as well as in Alberta and the Yukon according to his biography. After retiring from the RCMP, Kisoun worked for Parks Canada for 17 years in its Western Arctic Field Unit.

He was also previously the deputy commissioner of the N.W.T. from 2011 to 2017.

Kisoun has served on the Northwest Territories Tourism Board, the Gwich'in Land and Water Board, the Gwich'in Land Use Planning Board, the RCMP Commanding Officers' Indigenous Advisory Committee, and the Board of the Inuvik Community Corporation's Elders Committee.

He has also received the RCMP Long Service Medal, the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Polar Medal.

The role of the commissioner is largely ceremonial. Kisoun will, among other things, swear in members of the Legislative Assembly and executive council, appoint ministers and provide assent to bills.

The commissioner is also the federal government's representative in the territory and the Chief Executive Officer of the territory.

Kisoun's term is expected to last five years. He replaces outgoing commissioner Margaret Thom.

A swearing in ceremony for Kisoun is being planned in the coming weeks.