KUGLUKTUK/COPPERMINE - Now that the family of Nunavut's new commissioner knows about her appointment, they couldn't be more proud.

Edna Elias of Kugluktuk is scheduled to be sworn in as the territory's commissioner on May 31. She said she enjoys spending time out on the land doing many activities including fishing as seen in this photo taken earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Edna Elias

"I was informed that I was going to be appointed. It was the longest held secret and I couldn't share it with my father," said Edna Elias.

She has one brother and 11 sisters. Elias said a sister of hers told her their 77-year-old father had recently caught a caribou, brought it to one of the homes of another family member and announced he "'would not let the commissioner skin or cut up any more caribou.'"

The Kugluktuk woman was named as the territory's fourth commissioner by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa on May 12. She will be officially sworn in at a ceremony at the legislative assembly in Iqaluit on May 31.

A self-described life-long learner, Elias has identified education and preserving Inuit language and culture as two of her top priorities while in office.

While humbled to be asked, Elias acknowledges the position will be both challenging and rewarding. At first she said she was nervous, but those feelings soon subsided.

"'I can do it for I am capable and confident that I can,'" she said she told herself.

In 1980, she began her career as an elementary school teacher in her home community and in Arctic Bay. She has worked as a school principal, has sat as a member on language task forces, worked for NTI, been involved in municipal politics and worked in Alberta and the NWT in community support and development.

"Once you are an educator, your hat never comes off," said Elias.

When she lived in Alberta for eight years, she said was always educating others about Nunavut and the way of life of its residents. The mother of three and grandmother of two with another on the way said her passion to educate others even extends out on the land teaching family members how to cut and cook geese.

In addition, she has worked as an Inuit language interpreter and translator in various capacities. In Kugluktuk, she has been active in language revitalization to preserve Inuinnaqtun. She said she would like to continue that work in the community and expand it around the territory.

As commissioner she said she will encourage students to continue their education beyond the high school level.

"Our students are graduating from Grade 12 but we don't see enough of them sticking with their post-secondary efforts," said Elias.

She said she also plans to educate Nunavummiut on what the commissioner does through activities and communities visits.

Elias replaces Ann Meekitjuk Hanson who served in the role for the last five years. Hanson's term ended at midnight on April 10.