NUNAVUT - After five years as Nunavut's commissioner, Ann Meekitjuk Hanson's term came to an end at midnight on April 10.

Military aide de camp Capt. Adam Chubb and Nunavut's most recent commissioner Ann Meekitjuk Hanson stand with assistant deputy minister Pauloosie Suvega of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Commissioner's Levy on April 10. - Emily Ridlington/NNSL photo

"I have enjoyed my five years very much and I have had enormous support from my husband, five daughters and grandchildren," said Hanson to those in attendance at the Commissioner's Levy and Awards presentation on April 10.

She was appointed as the third commissioner of Nunavut on April 21, 2005.

"I would like to thank her for her time serving Nunavut," said Premier Eva Aariak.

Born on May 22, 1946 on the island of Qakutut outside of Kimmirut, Hanson went on to work as a civil servant, broadcaster, journalist, author and translator. She was named to the Order of Canada in 2003 for her contribution to the social and cultural development of the North.

Aariak said Hanson is a well-known individual and has always been involved in the arts, promoting Inuit culture and language.

The premier said she wishes Hanson the best of luck in her new ventures and future projects.

"It is a sad realization that another era is coming to an end," said Pauloosie Suvega, assistant deputy minister with the Nunavut government Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.

He applauded Hanson for her efforts, acknowledging the extensive amount of travelling she did during her term to communities across the territory. Suvega described Hanson as being energetic, enthusiastic and tireless in all she undertook.

The name of the new commissioner has yet to be announced. Aariak said she was asked by the federal government to recommend names for the next commission. She wrote a letter to MLAs in December asking them their suggestions on individuals they thought would be suitable for the position.

The names were forwarded to Ottawa. She said the last time she checked, she was told the selection process was "still in progress."

Deputy commissioner Nellie Kusugak will assume the role of the commissioner until the position is filled.

Hanson declined all media interviews.