QAJAQ ROBINSON

“Meeting the Families and Survivors from coast to coast to coast, and hearing their truths, has taught me the devastating impact of sexism, racism and colonialism. Within each of their truths, Families and Survivors have also taught me what it means to be strong, resilient, courageous, compassionate, honest and just. Each community that has hosted us, has taught me how their laws, relationships, culture and spirituality hold the space for truth and guide the way for many of the solutions to end the crisis of MMIWG and violence against Indigenous women, girls, 2s and gender diverse. The Families, Survivors and grassroots community people are the experts and I am grateful and humbled by all those that welcomed me into their communities and those that trusted me with their truths.”

Commissioner Robinson is a graduate of the Akitsiraq Law Program – a partnership between the University of Victoria and Nunavut Arctic College. Born in Iqaluit and raised in Igloolik, Commissioner Robinson is a strong Northern advocate, who is fluent in Inuktitut and English. She articled at Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik, clerked with judges of the Nunavut Court of Justice under then-Chief Justice Madame Justice Beverley Browne, and then became a Crown prosecutor who worked the circuit court in Nunavut for four years.

Prior to her appointment Commissioner Robinson was an Associate with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Ottawa, Ontario, where she worked on Team North, a multi-disciplinary team of 70 lawyers who do a variety of work throughout the northern parts of the provinces and in the territories.

Commissioner Robinson has worked on a wide range of issues affecting Indigenous rights. Most recently, she worked as legal counsel at the Specific Claims Tribunal, travelling to First Nations communities across Canada. In addition, Commissioner Robinson was a member of the Board of Directors of Tungasuvvingat Inuit, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing cultural and wellness programs to Inuit in Ottawa.