Abe Okpik

Abe Okpik (1929 – 1997) was an Inuk leader, interpreter, and public servant from the Northwest Territories of Canada. He is best known for his vital role in Project Surname, a federal government initiative during the 1960s that aimed to provide Inuit individuals and families with standardized surnames, replacing the traditional Inuktitut naming system. Prior to Project Surname, Inuit were often identified by Christian names and disk numbers, which could lead to confusion and administrative difficulties. Okpik traveled extensively across the Arctic, working to explain the rationale behind the project, collecting Inuit names, and assigning surnames. His work was crucial to the success of the project and significantly improved the lives of many Inuit by simplifying interactions with government agencies and other institutions.

Beyond Project Surname, Okpik was a prominent advocate for Inuit rights and self-determination. He held various positions within the federal government, working to promote Inuit culture and language. He was a strong proponent of education and economic development in the Arctic. Okpik received numerous awards and honours throughout his life for his contributions to Inuit society and to Canada.