Naalakkersuisoq for Health and Persons with Disabilities, Anna Wangenheim, served as a keynote speaker at the Inuit Circumpolar Council’s (ICC) 15th General Assembly, held in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, from July 22 to 25, 2026.
Naalakkersuisoq delivered her keynote address during the session “Inuit Identity, Physical, Spiritual, and Mental Health and Well-being,” where she emphasized the importance of a strong community, Inuit identity, and a holistic approach to health.
In her speech, Naalakkersuisoq emphasized that health is about much more than treatment and illness. Health is built on relationships, culture, language, nature, and community—values that have been the foundation of Inuit communities for generations.
“Health policy is also a policy for the future of the Arctic. Our strength lies in our community, our culture, and our ability to stand together across the Arctic regions,” Anna Wangenheim emphasized in her speech.
During his stay in Iqaluit, the Naalakkersuisoq also met with Nunavut’s Minister of Health, and the two discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation on health and prevention across the Arctic. Naalakkersuisoq sees great potential in closer cooperation among the Arctic regions on shared health challenges and knowledge sharing.
In her speech, the Naalakkersuisoq also highlighted the Naalakkersuisut’s national health strategy, Inuuneritta, which is based on the Inuit’s own values, language, and culture, as well as the need to develop a health care system that respects human rights, cultural understanding, and healing. She also emphasized the importance of learning from history, strengthening mental health—especially among children and young people—and fostering hope for future generations.
Naalakkersuisoq also extended special thanks to the ICC for the organization’s nearly 50 years of work to unite and strengthen the collective voice of the Inuit in the Arctic.
“”I am returning home from Iqaluit feeling deeply inspired and with an even stronger hope that, together, we can improve the health of the Inuit throughout the Arctic. Together, we are stronger.”
Read the full speech here
