Lissie Makimmak Usuituayuk

Lissie is an urban Inuk living in Kjipuktuk (home of the Mi’kmaq), Nova Scotia, and is originally from Salluit, Nunavik (Quebec).

Lissie is active in her local Indigenous community, where she learns from Elders about the importance of culture and identity in shaping her future. She spends time in Nunavik twice a year learning more about her Inuit culture and takes part in traditional activities like gathering on the land, sewing, and beading. She then shares her learned knowledge by mentoring local Inuit children who do not have the same access to the North as she does.

Lissie’s favourite subjects in school are Science and English. Lissie uses Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk) to view the world as she realizes the importance of both in the modern world. Lissie played soccer on Team Mi’kmaw Nova Scotia at the last North American Indigenous Games in Halifax and was one of the youngest players on the team. She is looking forward to the 2027 games that will take place in Calgary. Lissie is an artist, an actor, and, most recently, a writer. Lissie knows that she is very lucky to live and be welcome in both worlds and that she has a duty to ensure that her Inuit culture continues on for generations to come. Lissie’s story was inspired by the resiliency and bravery of her northern and southern families who have worked together to make sure that she knows who she is and where she has come from. Everyone, including Lissie, is excited to see and celebrate what her future holds.