Marti Ford has spent much of the fall and early winter learning the ropes of her new role as executive director of something that stirs Yukoners’ interest each year: the Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP).

“Marti brings extensive leadership experience in education and administration, strategic planning, and in developing and maintaining networks of various communities, governments and partners,” the Prize’s trustees said at the time of her September appointment.

Founded in 2012, the Arctic Inspiration Prize is the largest annual prize in Canada with a specific focus on the Canadian Arctic.

The AIP encourages, enables and celebrates breakthrough northern initiatives and teams that stand to transform the fields of education, health, social-cultural issues, the environment, the economy, and research.

A Nunavut beneficiary, Ford is one of the founding members of the Manitoba Inuit Association.

She is also an accomplished and passionate advocate of Indigenous advancement.

Additionally, Ford serves on several boards and committees.

Those include the Poverty Reduction Council, the Canadian Forces Liaison Committee, and Red River College’s Research Ethics Committee.

Ford holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education, a Post Baccalaureate Certificate of Education and a Master of Educational Administration from the University of Manitoba.

She is pursuing a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Global Indigenous Language and Culture at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. 

Before accepting her new job, Ford was the superintendent at Frontier School Division in Manitoba.

She had previously been the Dean of the School of Indigenous Education at Red River College. She has worked in both rural and urban communities as well as internationally. 

“The Arctic Inspiration Prize is by the North and for the North,” said Jason Annahatak, chair of the AIP Charitable Trust.

“Given the prize’s increased size and impact, and the fact the founders have handed it over to the Trust, it’s clear the prize needs experienced and proven leadership to lead it into the future.

“Marti rose to the top of a competitive group of excellent candidates who vied for this position,” Annahatak added.

“We are confident Marti has the leadership skills to ensure the prize’s continued success.” 

“I am so pleased for the opportunity to work with the entire AIP network to bring the prize to the next level, and to help improve the lives of northerners,” Ford said.

Canada’s North is a region of resourcefulness, incredible innovation, and collaboration, she added.

When these forces coalesce, people can profoundly impact life in their communities and regions.

Each year, up to $3 million is awarded across three categories: one $1 million prize, up to four prizes of up to $500,000, and up to seven youth prizes of up to $100,000 each.

The Arctic Inspiration Prize has awarded more than $8.4 million to 22 diverse teams over the last six years. 

To learn more about our inspiring Laureates, or for information about the nomination process, please visit www.arcticinspirationprize.ca

The prize’s managing partner is the Rideau Hall Foundation.