IQALUIT - Elisapee Sheutiapik has officially resigned as Iqaluit's mayor.

"I've been re-evaluating my aspirations, commitments, goals, needs, objectives, priorities and responsibilities ... everything that impacts me and my immediate family today and into the future," said Sheutiapik at a city council meeting on Nov. 9.

Elisapee Sheutiapik announces her resignation as Iqaluit's mayor at a council meeting on Nov. 9. Her last day in office will be Dec.13. - Emily Ridlington/NNSL photo

She took office as the city's mayor in 2003 and in Oct. 2009 was re-elected to serve for a third term.

"After careful consideration and thought, I give you my official notice of resignation as mayor of Iqaluit, effective Dec. 13," she said.

The city will hold a byelection for the mayoral position and vacant councillor seat on Dec. 13 in conjunction with the district education authority elections and the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. elections.

When asked why she is leaving, Sheutiapik said it was for many reasons and was "not just a decision I made overnight."

She said her family influenced her decision, especially her 15-year-old son who moved to southern Ontario in August to attend hockey school.

Known as an avid sports fan, Sheutiapik said as of mid-December she can go to the hockey rink and not worry about people's perceptions.

"I can go watch a game and not feel any pressure or guilt -- some people may feel I'm neglecting my job by watching my son's game," she said.

Sheutiapik said she learned in her first month as mayor that she cannot satisfy everyone.

Highlights from her time in office have included raising the profile of the city not only territorially but nationally; starting the planning process for a feasibility study for a new recreational facility; and renaming a city street Angel Street in 2007, in an effort to raise awareness of violence against women. "Although municipally we deal with water, sewers and roads I'm someone who has never forgotten the social side of it," Sheutiapik said.

Originally from Iqaluit, she has been involved in politics since 1984. She has worked in an administrative capacity with the territorial government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.

In addition to serving as mayor, she has served as president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities. She is also currently the president of Pauktuutit, a national Inuit women's organization.

Outside politics, she owns the Grind & Brew cafe, which she manages with partner Brian Twerdin.

The question remains what Sheutiapik is going to do now.

She said, in the last several weeks, she has received phone calls to run for NTI president, in the Qikiqtani Inuit Association elections and even at the territorial level.

"At this point in time that is not what I want," she said.

At the council meeting on Nov. 9, Coun. Simon Nattaq said Sheutiapik has been an excellent leader.

"Any other decision you make, I hope you don't move from Iqaluit," he said.

It was also announced on Nov. 10 that Coun. Natsiq Alainga-Kango has resigned.

Sheutiapik said the next mayor should be open and willing to listen to the people.

She said she is not worried about the growth and development of the city.

"The elders taught me it is not just going to ever be Inuit anymore, there will continually be different people coming in, to go with it and adapt," she said.