RANKIN INLET - Nellie Kusugak of Rankin Inlet is both modest and proud about being sworn in as Nunavut's new deputy commissioner this past month.

Nellie Kusugak of Rankin Inlet was sworn in as Nunavut's deputy commissioner by Justice Joseph Donohue in Rankin Inlet in February of 2010. - photo courtesy of Jose Kusugak

Kusugak said the process began when she was asked if she would consent to her name being put forth for the position.

She said from what she's been told about the role, she'll serve as a backup and fill in anytime Commissioner Ann Meekitjuk Hanson can't fulfil her duties.

"There hasn't been a deputy commissioner since Helen Maksagak passed away quite a while ago," said Kusugak. Maksagak died on Jan. 23, 2009

"They, apparently, thought of me because of my past experience as a teacher and instructor, and because I'm so passionate about my culture and tradition."

After consenting to her name being put forward to the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Kusugak received a call about seven weeks ago from Minister Chuck Strahl's office to inform her she had been appointed as deputy commissioner.

She was supposed to have been sworn in during February's language summit, but the ceremony had to wait when she was called away to Winnipeg when her mother suddenly took ill.

Justice Joseph Donohue was able to perform the ceremony while in Rankin with the court circuit this past month.

"I'm glad I allowed my name to be put forward because we have to work together for Inuit Qaujiniajatuqangit to be effective," said Kusugak.

"The commissioner knows she can depend on me to help out if there's ever a time she can't perform her duties.

"That's really how I look at myself in this position: to serve her and make sure things are carried through."

Kusugak said she's grateful for all the e-mails and phone calls she received from people happy for her getting the appointment. She said she knows she will always have their support, and her family will always be behind her.

"It would be a huge responsibility, if I ever have to fill the commissioner's shoes, because she's done an excellent job.

"I'm looking forward to it now, because it's important to me for Inuktitut to be used, and to be able to serve the people of Nunavut."