IQALUIT - When Dr. Patricia DeMaio moved north 18 years ago, her plans were like those of many Northerners before her – to stay for one year then go back home.

Nunavut's Wise Woman of the Year Patricia DeMaio, centre, stands with Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council members Neevee Wilkins, left, and Trista Mercer at an International Women's Day celebration at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit on March 7. - Kassina Ryder/NNSL photo

But one year quickly became two, and before long, DeMaio knew she had found her new home.

"I came for a year of adventure and fun, and stayed," she said. "I couldn't be anywhere else."

Her commitment as a doctor is one of the reasons the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council chose DeMaio as the territory's Wise Woman of the Year for 2010. She was presented with an award at a ceremony to celebrate International Women's Day at Inuksuk High School on March 7.

"I found out on Friday, but I'm still completely overwhelmed," DeMaio said. "This sort of recognition, you just don't expect it."

The award is "meant to honour a woman who is a role model in her community," vice president Trista Mercer said.

The council received nominations for women from communities throughout Nunavut, acting president Neevee Wilkins said.

"It gets harder and harder each year to pick just one," Wilkins said during the ceremony.

Originally from Burlington, Ont., DeMaio moved to Nunavut in 1992 and spent nine years in Pond Inlet working as a doctor before moving to Iqaluit.

DeMaio learned Inuktitut and while she says she is not yet bilingual, she is working towards it.

"I'm not bilingual, but I try," she said. "It helps be a better health care provider if you can speak the language of your patients."

All of DeMaio's adopted children are Inuit, which also prompted her to learn the language.

DeMaio was presented with a plaque in the shape of an ulu to commemorate her award. She said even though she can think of "so many more wise and deserving women," she is happy to have won.

DeMaio's perseverance and dedication to the people she serves was acknowledged during the ceremony.

"Her dedication to her patients is nothing less than extraordinary," Mercer said.