Vinnie Karetak
I first met Vinnie Karetak, one of the stars of Qanurli?, a popular Inuktut comedy show, a few years ago. I haven’t stopped laughing since. Vinnie is one of the independent owners of the production company, Qanukiaq, as well as a writer and actor on one of the North’s most popular shows, now entering its seventh season on APTN. Everywhere he goes, from Alaska to Greenland, children point him out. In the years since, we have served together on the Qaggiavuut! Board of Directors where I learned what a calm and insightful leader he is. I have been able to witness his tireless commitment to Inuit language and culture and his championship of Inuit performing artists firsthand. He has an amazing ability to bring out the best in those he works with. This spring, Vinnie took on a new challenge: codirecting, writing and acting in a new theatre work Kiviuq Returns. He led an all-Inuit cast in the one-hour performance based on Inuit legend that toured Nunavut communities and southern Canada this year. In his spare time, Vinnie is a dedicated dad of two boys, a popular emcee at Nunavut events and an actor in films, including (2017) and (2016).