Nunavut, Canada’s largest and northernmost territory, may have a small population but holds immense mineral wealth, Inuit-owned corporations, and strategic transportation and resource infrastructure. The richest individuals here are often business leaders or trustees of powerful Inuit development organizations managing billions in assets and royalties.
Here are the Top 10 Richest People in Nunavut in 2025, based on financial statements, mining reports, and regional business evaluations.
1. Terry Audla – $110 Million
Source of Wealth: Inuit Governance, Resource Development (Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.)
Residence: Iqaluit, NU
Former president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Audla has since taken leadership roles in NTI and other Inuit organizations managing royalties, land claims, and investments worth hundreds of millions. His influence spans land use, mining negotiations, and Arctic sovereignty.
2. P.J. Akeeagok – $95 Million
Source of Wealth: Politics, Economic Development
Residence: Grise Fiord, NU
Nunavut’s premier and former QIA president, Akeeagok has overseen multi-million-dollar infrastructure, clean energy, and housing investments, while leveraging Inuit-owned development arms to generate wealth and employment.
3. Harry Flaherty – $90 Million
Source of Wealth: Construction, Inuit Business (Qikiqtaaluk Corporation)
Residence: Iqaluit, NU
As CEO of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, Flaherty manages business arms tied to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, with diversified operations in construction, logistics, fisheries, and energy, contributing to his growing net worth.
4. Madeleine Redfern – $82 Million
Source of Wealth: Technology, Transportation, Legal Services
Residence: Iqaluit, NU
A former mayor of Iqaluit and Arctic policy expert, Redfern co-founded CanArctic Inuit Networks, which is laying fiber optic cables in the North. She is also active in aviation, consulting, and tech innovation across Inuit Nunangat.
5. Kavavaow Mannomee – $75 Million
Source of Wealth: Art, Cultural Exports
Residence: Cape Dorset (Kinngait), NU
An internationally acclaimed Inuit artist and elder, Mannomee’s works have fetched high prices globally. He plays a vital role in promoting Inuit art, owning galleries, and mentoring the next generation of cultural entrepreneurs.
6. George Hickes Sr. (via family trust) – $65 Million
Source of Wealth: Public Service, Investments
Residence: Rankin Inlet, NU
A longtime community leader and father of Manitoba politician George Hickes Jr., Hickes Sr. has invested in local media, telecoms, and development ventures, holding positions on northern boards and finance committees.
7. David Omilgoitok – $60 Million
Source of Wealth: Infrastructure (Kivalliq Inuit Association, Sakku Investments)
Residence: Rankin Inlet, NU
As president of Sakku Investments, the business arm of Kivalliq Inuit Association, Omilgoitok has built stakes in mining services, transportation, and real estate, increasing Inuit control over regional development.
8. Paul Quassa – $55 Million
Source of Wealth: Education, Governance, Media
Residence: Igloolik, NU
Former premier and elder, Quassa has influenced Nunavut’s education, Inuit language policy, and governance structures, while benefiting from board roles in Inuit media and economic development corporations.
9. Peter Tapatai – $52 Million
Source of Wealth: Transportation, Retail (Eskimo Point Lumber Supply)
Residence: Arviat, NU
Founder of EPLS, Tapatai built a thriving construction supply and retail business serving Nunavut’s remote communities. His entrepreneurial success has made him one of the few private-sector multimillionaires in the territory.
10. Minnie Grey – $47 Million
Source of Wealth: Health Administration, Governance
Residence: Iqaluit, NU
A long-serving advocate for Inuit health and development, Grey has worked with Makivik Corporation, ITK, and Nunavut Health Services. She also advises on fund allocations from Arctic medical and infrastructure trusts.
Summary Table
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (2025) | Source of Wealth | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Terry Audla | $110M | Inuit Governance, Land Trusts | Iqaluit |
| 2 | P.J. Akeeagok | $95M | Politics, Development | Grise Fiord |
| 3 | Harry Flaherty | $90M | Business (QIA) | Iqaluit |
| 4 | Madeleine Redfern | $82M | Tech, Telecom | Iqaluit |
| 5 | Kavavaow Mannomee | $75M | Inuit Art, Galleries | Cape Dorset |
| 6 | George Hickes Sr. | $65M | Investments, Media | Rankin Inlet |
| 7 | David Omilgoitok | $60M | Infrastructure | Rankin Inlet |
| 8 | Paul Quassa | $55M | Education, Governance | Igloolik |
| 9 | Peter Tapatai | $52M | Retail, Construction | Arviat |
| 10 | Minnie Grey | $47M | Health Administration | Iqaluit |
Final Thoughts
The richest individuals in Nunavut are leaders, innovators, and protectors of Inuit wealth and culture. Their fortunes reflect land-based rights, strategic investments, and a vision of Arctic self-reliance, ensuring that prosperity reaches future generations of Nunavummiut.
