The Kitikmeot Inuit Association is Sad to Officially Announce the Passing of Vice President Attima Hadlari.

(Please see below for PDFs of this Press Release in English, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2025- Cambridge Bay, NU: The Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) is sad to officially announce the passing of KIA Vice President (VP) Attima Hadlari. Attima passed away in Edmonton on October 27, 2025. Attima was elected to the KIA Board as VP, Economic Development this past April.

His passion and dedication for this position and the economic well-being of the Kitikmeot was clear in a recent speech he gave in September at the official opening of the B2Gold Goose Mine.

“Attima was dedicated to the cultural and economic health of the Kitikmeot,” said KIA President James Eetoolook. “Whether serving our region on the KIA Board or through his drum dancing or his cultural consulting services, you always knew where his heart and head were.”

Hadlari Consulting was founded by Attima and his wife Elisabeth.

Attima has served on the KIA Board three times. He was first elected as a VP in 2012, the same year he received a Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. He was later elected in 2019 as KIA VP Wildlife before returning to the KIA Board as the elected VP, Economic Development this past April.

“Whatever role Attima filled with the KIA, or any other organization, he not only brought his invaluable knowledge, but he also brought with him his great sense of humor and his dedication to his people and the land,” added Eetoolook. “Today, wherever the sun is shining in the Kitikmeot, it is shining in memory of a great man.”

Attima was born out on the land between today’s settlements of Taloyoak, and Kugaaruk and raised in the nomadic lifestyle, living in tents and iglus.

“Attima never forgot where he came from and always knew where he wanted to bring the Kitikmeot and our people,” stated Eetoolook. “Our hearts and thoughts go our to Attima’s wonderful wife Elisabeth, all of Attima’s children and all their extended family and friends.”  

Media Inquiries: James Kaylor, Manager of Communications, Kitikmeot Inuit Association Cell: 867.983.5340 Email: jkaylor@kitia.ca