Ziggy Man

Ziggy Man

In this episode of Q’s Corner, we sit down with Ziggy Haile, a community advocate whose work has made a meaningful impact on people experiencing homelessness in Ottawa, particularly within the urban Inuit community. Originally from Ethiopia, Ziggy grew up with a strong belief in the power of community, inspired by his father's commitment to volunteering and helping others. Those early lessons in compassion and mutual support would go on to shape his life's work. After a serious leg injury at the age of 17, Ziggy's perspective on struggle, resilience, and service deepened, leading him to dedicate himself to supporting those facing some of life's greatest challenges. Working in downtown Ottawa, Ziggy witnessed firsthand the realities of homelessness and the barriers many people face. Motivated by what he saw, he became a community activist focused on building connections, providing support, and creating a sense of belonging for those who often feel forgotten. His efforts have earned him recognition, including the MAX Keeping Humanitarian Award, but as he explains in this conversation, the greatest reward has been building a community that supports one another through difficult times. Recorded alongside Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women's Association, this episode follows a day spent walking through downtown Ottawa with Ziggy, listening to stories from people with lived experience and learning more about the challenges facing urban Inuit experiencing homelessness. The conversation is honest, emotional, and deeply human, offering an important look at compassion, community, and the power of showing up for others. You can also follow Ziggy's work on Instagram at @protecttherise and on TikTok at @protecttherise613, where he shares stories, advocacy efforts, and community outreach from the front lines of his work. Tune in for a powerful conversation about service, resilience, and the importance of caring for one another.

Gerald Kuehl

In this episode of Q’s Corner, we’re joined by Gerald Kuehl, a Manitoba-based artist and storyteller whose work is dedicated to honouring Indigenous peoples and their cultures across Canada. We explore the intersection of art and storytelling, the responsibility of representation, and how Gerald’s work helps foster deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous communities across the country. For nearly three decades, Gerald has worked closely with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, creating highly detailed graphite portraits that are deeply rooted in photographs, oral histories, and personal research. Each piece—often taking 60 to 100 hours to complete—captures not just a likeness, but a story. Through his art, Gerald documents lives, preserves histories, and reflects the courage, humour, and strength of the individuals and communities he works with. His commitment goes beyond the page, with participation in traditional ceremonies and ongoing engagement with cultural gatherings like powwows. His work, featured in Portraits of the North (Métis & First Nations) and Portraits of the Far North (Inuit), stands as a meaningful record of identity, experience, and cultural continuity. If you’re interested in exploring or purchasing Gerald’s incredible work, visit: https://www.geraldkuehl.com [https://www.geraldkuehl.com]

Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell

Recorded in Winnipeg, Manitoba during Northern Perspectives 2026, Episode 6 of Q’s Corner features a conversation with Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell, a lifelong advocate and enduring voice for Inuit and northern communities across Canada. Born and raised in Eskimo Point (now Arviat), Senator Karetak-Lindell brings firsthand experience and deep understanding of the realities facing Inuit communities. Fluent in both Inuktitut and English, she spent 15 years in managerial roles with the Arviat Housing Association and Eskimo Point Lumber Supply before entering federal politics. In 1997, she made history as the first Member of Parliament for the newly created riding of Nunavut and the first female MP for the Eastern Arctic, serving four consecutive terms over 11 years. During her time in Parliament, she served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and held key leadership roles on numerous parliamentary committees, including Chair and Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. She also played an important role in the negotiations leading to the establishment of Nunavut as a political jurisdiction in Canada. Following her time in Parliament, Senator Karetak-Lindell continued her public service as a consultant, speaker, instructor, and election officer. She has held leadership positions including President of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, Director of the Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship Program, and Chair of the Indigenous Knowledge Program at the International Polar Year Conference—advocating for Inuit voices on both national and global stages. Her commitment to community has remained constant throughout her career. She has served on numerous boards and councils, including the Arviat Hamlet Council, Kivalliq Regional Education Authority, Nunavut Arctic College, Nunavut Trust, and Polar Knowledge Canada, while also helping to found and support local sport and community organizations. A devoted mother of four, proud grandmother of sixteen, and great-grandmother of one, Senator Karetak-Lindell’s leadership and contributions have been recognized with her appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In this episode, she shares reflections on leadership, public service, the creation of Nunavut, and the importance of strong Inuit representation at every level.

Tupaarnaq Kopeck

Episode 5 of Q’s Corner features a powerful conversation with Tupaarnaq Kopeck, an Inuk woman from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) and a leading voice in Indigenous financial empowerment. With a background in banking and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Psychology, Tupaarnaq brings a unique, human-centered approach to financial education. As the founder of Money Masterlabs, her work focuses on supporting Indigenous women in building financial confidence, resilience, and independence—grounded in Indigenous values, collective care, and holistic well-being. Deeply informed by her studies in financial trauma, Tupaarnaq challenges conventional financial systems by addressing the real barriers many Indigenous people face, including the lasting impacts of colonialism and systemic inequality. Through her work, she is helping reshape conversations around money, making financial literacy more accessible, inclusive, and empowering. This is a meaningful and thought-provoking conversation recorded right at the heart of Northern Perspectives 2026—one you won’t want to miss.

John Todd & Glenn McLean

Episode 4 of Q’s Corner, recorded at Northern Perspectives 2026, brings two well-known northern leaders to the table: John Todd, former Minister of Finance for the Northwest Territories, and Glenn McLean, former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for Baker Lake. This episode is packed with light-hearted banter, candid reflections, and a few choice words as John and Glenn share their personal and political journeys in the North. From the early days of territorial politics to the creation of Nunavut, they offer firsthand insight into a transformative period in northern governance. John reflects on his role in helping establish the Nunavut territorial government, negotiating foundational fiscal agreements, and eliminating budget deficits during his time as Finance Minister. Glenn shares his experience representing Baker Lake in Nunavut’s first Legislative Assembly and his commitment to staying grounded in his constituency. Together, the conversation dives into the Inuit Firm Registry, Article 23 and Article 24, Inuit entrepreneurship, and the evolving landscape of business in the North — all delivered with the honesty and humour that only lived experience can bring. If you’re interested in northern history, policy, and business — with plenty of personality along the way — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.