Canada Post is honouring Inuit cultural leader Julia Haogak Ogina with a new commemorative stamp, recognizing her lifelong commitment to preserving Inuit language, stories, and traditions. The stamp is part of the Indigenous Leaders series and will be released on June 20, the day before National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Ogina, born in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, is known for her tireless efforts to revive drum dancing and protect her community’s oral traditions. She played a major role in documenting and publishing Huqqullaarutit Unipkaangit, a collection of drum dance songs developed in collaboration with Inuit Elders over a decade. As a language and culture coordinator, she helped create programs that support intergenerational learning and cultural continuity.
Her national recognitions include the Meritorious Service Medal and an award for outstanding language revitalization efforts.
The stamp features a photograph of Ogina in drum dance regalia at QAGGIQ 2021 in Iqaluit. It was designed by Andrew Perro and photographed by Matisse Harvey. The official cancellation site is her hometown of Ulukhaktok, with a cancellation mark depicting a traditional drum.
Stamps honouring two other Indigenous leaders, Sophie McDougall and Bruce Starlight, will also be released this month. All stamps and collectibles will be available starting June 20.
