At Makivvik’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Salluit, two respected Nunavimmiut were bestowed the highest honour by Makivvik. This year’s recipients, Peter May of Kuujjuaq and Maggie Akpahatak of Aupaluk, have followed different paths in life, but they both serve their communities and help ensure that Nunavik’s knowledge, culture, and future remain strong.
The Order of Nunavik celebrates Inuit whose achievements, leadership and dedication have made a lasting difference. Each year, community members nominate individuals whose lives inspire others. The recipients become role models whose contributions strengthen Nunavik today while encouraging future generations.
Peter May
For anyone who has worked in wildlife research in Nunavik, Peter May is a familiar face. For more than four decades, Peter has worked as a wildlife technician at the Nunavik Research Centre, building a reputation as one of the region’s most knowledgeable experts on birds, wildlife, and the environment. Scientists, government agencies, and local hunters have all relied on his experience.
Growing up at his father’s outfitting camp along the George River, Peter learned by observing wildlife, travelling the land, and listening carefully to those around him. By the age of 17, he was already managing a satellite camp at Little Pyramid. Today, he continues that connection as owner and operator of Pyramid Mountain Camp.
That deep understanding of Nunavik’s environment has allowed Peter to bridge two worlds. His work combines Inuit knowledge gained through experience on the land with scientific research, helping researchers better understand Arctic ecosystems while ensuring that local knowledge remains part of the conversation.
His expertise reaches far beyond Nunavik. Peter contributed his knowledge to the Quebec Breeding Bird Atlas, serves on the Nunavik Marine Region Impact Review Board, has co-authored numerous scientific publications and is contributing to a forthcoming book on the birds of Nunavik. His taxidermy work is displayed at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, showcasing Arctic wildlife for visitors from across Canada.
Maggie Akpahatak
In Aupaluk, Maggie Akpahatak has spent a lifetime serving others. For decades, she has been a steady presence in her community, taking on many different responsibilities but always with the purpose of helping people.
After serving nearly 20 years as Makivvik’s Community Director for Aupaluk, Maggie answered another call to leadership by becoming Mayor. Her work has always focused on building a stronger future for her community while ensuring that no one is left behind.
Her leadership, however, has not been limited to public office. Over the years Maggie has also served as a teacher, a lay minister, and today as a respected elder. In every role, people have looked to her for guidance, comfort, and encouragement. Her kindness and humility have made her someone others naturally trust during difficult times.
She has also worked tirelessly to preserve Inuit culture. Whenever possible, Maggie spends time on the land, passing traditional knowledge and skills to younger generations. She understands that language, culture, and land are deeply connected, and that each generation has a responsibility to help the next maintain those connections.
Makivvik thanks both Peter and Maggie for their service and is proud to have them, as well as previous Order of Nunavik recipients, serve as inspiration and role models for future generations.
