Published 10:40 pm Monday, November 24, 2025 Donald Havioyak, who served as MLA for Kugluktuk in the first Nunavut Legislative Assembly from 1999 to 2004, has passed away, according to a GN statement released on Nov. 24. In 2002, Havioyak received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal. He also served as president of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, winning his leadership position there in 2005. Current Speaker of the House David Joanasie said Havioyak, 75, was a vocal proponent in favour of the Inuit language. “Mr. Havioyak served as a minister during the first government and was a well-respected advocate for the preservation and promotion of Inuinnaqtun,” Joanasie said. The Kugluktuk community flag will fly at half-mast at the legislative assembly in honour of his passing.
Former Kugluktuk MLA Donald Havioyak passes away
