Iqaluit, Nunavut
Executive Director, Arctic Children and Youth Foundation
Born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Taya Tootoo is an Inuit leader with over five years of experience in non-profit and public-sector leadership. She served as Executive Director of the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, where she led strategic governance, funding, advocacy, and programs advancing the wellbeing of Inuit children and youth. Her work spans mental health, education, poverty reduction, and northern policy, grounded in Ikajuqtigiinniq—working together for a common cause. An experienced keynote speaker and Arctic Frontiers Emerging Leaders alumna, Taya continues to live and work in Nunavut, advancing community-driven, accountable, and culturally grounded leadership.