Joachim Ayaruak
Board Member
JOACHIM TAYARAT AYARUAKInuk Grandfather/Knowledge KeeperJoachim Ayaruak was born in the small village of Rankin Inlet Nunavut on March 18,1960 by his parents Monica Ayaruak and Spike Adams alongside his grandparents who helped raise Joachim; Pallulaaq and John Ayaruak.36 years ago Joachim married the love of his life, his wife Joyce Ayaruak who recently passed onto the spirit world. Joachim has a daughter Maureen Pudlu Ayaruak and three stepchildren Kelly, Shannon and Shawn. Joachim has 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.Joachim has been educating Canadians and many others about Inuit culture and societies. He has changed the way Canadians see Inuit and uses his lived experience as a residential school survivor as well as an Urban Inuk to educate and advocate for Inuit rights and for Inuit voices to be heard.Joachim sits on the board of directors with Tunngasugit Inc, Western Canada’s first Inuit Resource Centre. Joachim brings a wealth of knowledge to our centre and uses his knowledge to educate staff and others about proper procedure and protocols using our Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit has the following components:Inuuqatigiitsiarniq (respecting others, relationships and caring for people)
Tunnganarniq (fostering good spirit by being open, welcoming and inclusive)
Pijitsirniq (serving and providing for family or community, or both)
Aajiiqatigiinniq (decision making through discussion and consensus)
Pilimmaksarniq or Pijariuqsarniq (development of skills through practice, effort and action)
Piliriqatigiinniq or Ikajuqtigiinniq (working together for a common cause)
Qanuqtuurniq (being innovative and resourceful)
Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq (respect and care for the land, animals and the environment)
These core principles that Inuit have incorporated into our daily lives for Millenia is what Joachim encompasses with each and every conversation you have with him! Joachim always makes sure to end his conversation with you with a joke to laugh or with a simple smile to remember. He brings love and compassion for all who encounters his presence.
