The Nunavut Trade Show in Iqaluit closed Sept. 17 with a gala that celebrated businesses and community projects seen as shaping the territory’s economic future. Awards highlighted Inuit-led innovation in technology, the growth of local construction services and progress on renewable energy that aims to reduce reliance on imported diesel.
Awards spotlight Inuit-led technology and local services
Kirt Ejesiak, founder of the Inuit-owned drone companies Sedna ROV and Arctic UAV, was named Businessperson of the Year. Ejesiak used his acceptance to stress the importance of training and investment so Inuit can take on “technological jobs of tomorrow.”
“We have to invest and train Inuit so that we can take on these technological jobs of tomorrow. And I’m happy to say we’re seeing some success. We’re still surveying only a fraction of Arctic waters, and my hope is that we will do that for the next 10 to 20 years.”
The award recognises a growing presence of Arctic-focused remote and underwater vehicle services. Sedna ROV and Arctic UAV operate in domains that include marine surveying — work that complements scientific research, resource management and search-and-rescue activities in northern waters.
Construction growth tied to local delivery services
Arctic Fresh Projects, the construction arm of a grocery delivery company, took home the Business of the Year award. Founder Rhoda Recinos delivered her remarks in Inuktitut, and co-CEO Albert Netser addressed the crowd in English.
“We tell our field guys that we recognize that you need to grow, and you’re not perfect. And with the love in mind, with the patience and kindness and gentleness, and the extra effort we put into the people brings them to another level that we have never even expected…”
The company’s recognition reflects a broader trend of local enterprises expanding into construction and service sectors, offering jobs and on-the-job advancement for community members.
Renewables getting recognition alongside business awards
A special achievement award went to Nunavut Nukkiksautiiit Corporation for its development of the Sanikiluaq wind power project. Chief operating officer Heather Shilton emphasised the multiple aims of the project: cutting carbon emissions, stabilizing electricity costs and reducing dependence on imported diesel.
“That’s what these renewable energy projects are about. Yes, they’re about reducing our carbon footprint, stabilizing electricity rates, making life more affordable and getting off expensive imported diesel that continues to harm our environment every day that we’re not using renewables,”
Shilton added that renewables also contribute to community resilience and intergenerational well-being. She thanked leadership from the Qikiqtani Inuit Association for guidance on the project.
Lifetime honours and local recognition
Two Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented. Glenn Cousins was honoured for his long service with the Kakivak Association; his son Max accepted the award and the ceremony audience gave Cousins a standing ovation. The other award was given posthumously to Rhoda Cunningham, founder of Innirvik Support Services, recognised for her work in supporting language and services.
- Businessperson of the Year: Kirt Ejesiak (Sedna ROV / Arctic UAV)
- Business of the Year: Arctic Fresh Projects
- Special Achievement: Nunavut Nukkiksautiiit Corporation (Sanikiluaq wind project)
- Lifetime Achievement: Glenn Cousins (accepted by son Max)
- Lifetime Achievement (posthumous): Rhoda Cunningham (Innirvik Support Services)
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Businessperson of the Year | Kirt Ejesiak |
| Business of the Year | Arctic Fresh Projects |
| Special Achievement | Nunavut Nukkiksautiiit Corporation |
The awards night at the Aqsarniit Hotel also underscored connections between economic development, cultural leadership and local capacity-building. Presentations in both Inuktitut and English reflected the bilingual and bicultural nature of business in Nunavut.
For communities across the territory, these recognitions signal practical shifts: more locally owned companies taking on technically complex work, construction services that may keep contracts and jobs in Nunavut, and renewable projects that aim to moderate rising energy costs tied to diesel imports.
As these enterprises grow, the emphasis from winners and organisers alike was on training, patience and long-term planning to ensure benefits flow to Nunavummiut. The gala highlighted that building economic opportunity in the North is not only about profit, but also about skills, stewardship and community resilience.
