Order of Nunavut names 2016 recipients

Historian Louie Kamookak, artist Ellen Hamilton and entrepreneur Red Pedersenwill be this year's recipients of the Order of Nunavut in recognition for outstanding contributions to the cultural, social or economic well-being of the territory.

"This year's recipients of the Order of Nunavut are distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to our territory in the fields of public service, history and the arts," stated Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Chairperson of the Order of Nunavut Advisory Council George Qulaut in a media release.

Oral historian Louie Kamookak of Gjoa Haven is receiving the honour for his decades of work on Arctic history, and his role in uncovering artifacts from the Franklin Expedition. Kamookak is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

• Franklin find proves 'Inuit oral history is strong:' Louie Kamookak

• VIDEO I Sir John Franklin's long-lost HMS Terror believed found

Ellen Hamilton, founder of the Qaggiavuut Society, is receiving the honour for her contributions to art and culture in Nunavut and her work on the Qaggiq Project which was recognized as one of the 2015 Laureates of the Arctic Inspiration Prize.

• Inuit arts society trains artists to teach

• PROFILE I With $1 million in funding, Qaggiavuut Arts Society dreams big

Entrepreneur Red Pedersen of Kugluktuk is receiving the award for his service in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories from 1983 to 1991. Pedersen held a number of positions during that time, including Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and a member of cabinet. Pedersen is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

The award ceremony will be held during the winter 2017 sitting of the Legislative Assembly. The date has yet to be announced.

The Order of Nunavut was created in 2010 and is thehighest honour in the territory. Recipients are awarded with decorations or medals conferred by the Government of Nunavut.

• Inuit tattoo project one of 8 Arctic Inspiration Prize finalists

• Order of Nunavut appointments named for 2015