Udlu Hanson first Nunavut Inuk in 16 years named to Canada’s most powerful women list

Udlu Hanson, vice-president of community and strategic development at Baffinland Iron Mines Corp., has been named to the Women’s Executive Network’s annual list of the 104 most powerful women in Canada, the organisation announced this year.

The honour makes Hanson the first Inuk from Nunavut to appear on the list since 2010, when Kathy Okpik — then territorial deputy minister of education — was recognised. Hanson was at the Nunavut Trade Show in Iqaluit when she spoke about the award and her motivation to represent Inuit women in national leadership spaces.

“That makes me grateful,” Hanson told Nunatsiaq News. “That makes me proud to represent the many, many strong Inuit women that have helped impact my career.”

Career across industry, government and community

Hanson has served in senior roles across public and private sectors. She has been an executive at Baffinland for more than seven years, where her portfolio centres on community relations and strategic development. Prior to joining the company, Hanson held senior posts in government and Indigenous organisations, including serving as a deputy minister in the Government of Nunavut and as chief executive officer of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

Her profile on the national list reflects a blend of corporate leadership, public-service experience and long-standing community work. The Women’s Executive Network’s list, now in its 24th year, honours leaders across fields including business, governance and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence.

Community involvement and recognition

Hanson’s community contributions are widely noted. She co-founded the Annauma Community Foundation, which offers grant funding to Nunavut-based projects focusing on youth, well-being, arts and culture, and education. Last year she was the recipient of a national volunteer achievement award that recognises individuals with more than 20 years of volunteer service.

She also serves in national advisory and philanthropic roles: she is a director emeritus at the Rideau Hall Foundation and a member of the Governor General’s Reconciliation Advisory Group. Baffinland publicly congratulated Hanson, highlighting that her work goes beyond corporate responsibilities to strengthen long-term and respectful relationships with Inuit communities.

• More than seven years as an executive at Baffinland Iron Mines Corp.
• Former Government of Nunavut deputy minister
• Former CEO of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
• Co-founder of the Annauma Community Foundation
• Recipient of a national volunteer achievement award (recognising 20+ years of volunteer service)
• Director emeritus at the Rideau Hall Foundation; member of the Governor General’s Reconciliation Advisory Group

What the recognition means locally

Hanson’s inclusion on a nationally recognised list has symbolic and practical significance for Nunavut. It shines a light on Indigenous women leading in resource-sector relations, public policy and philanthropy. For young Inuit considering careers in business, government or community development, such visibility can demonstrate the pathways and possibilities available through a mix of local knowledge and institutional leadership.

At the trade show, Hanson reflected on the women who shaped her path and suggested more Inuit women deserve similar national recognition.

“There’s so many strong Inuit women who belong on that list,” she said.

Her comment underscores ongoing conversations about representation and the importance of acknowledging leadership rooted in Inuit values and community service.

Quick reference: Hanson’s roles

As Nunavut continues to navigate relationships between communities, industry and government, recognitions such as this place local leaders into national conversations. Hanson’s selection is both a personal milestone and a reminder of the contributions Inuit women make to public life across the territory and beyond.

Reporting from Iqaluit.