Edna Elias marks last day as Nunavut's commissioner

Today marks the end of Edna Elias' term as Commissioner of Nunavut.

Elias was appointed to a five-year termin May of 2010, acting as the official representative of the Government of Canada in the territory.

"I have been blessed to be able to go to so many places and meet so many fellow Inuit in my travels," Eliassaid in Inuinnaqtun on CBC Nunavut's Qulliq morning radio show. "I have fond memories of working with such welcoming people and being able to attend graduations and special ceremonies. It's all just amazing."

Elias was Nunavut'sfourth commissioner.She followed Helen Maksagak (1999-2000), Peter Irniq (2000-2005) and Ann Meekitjuk Hanson (2005-2010).

A committee was recently struck to select a new commissioner. It includesCharlie Evalik and Mike Shouldice, who will help come up witha shortlist of possible candidates that will be forwarded to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Commissioners' duties include appointing MLAs to the executive council, giving assent to bills and presenting the Order of Nunavut awards.

Elias is heading back to her home in Kugluktuk today, where she plans to continue her work in Inuit language revitalization.