Born north of Inukjuaq in Noveau Quebec, 1947. He grew up in Resolute Bay in the High Arctic. He is now living in Iqaluit; married with four grown children and seven grandchildren. John was educated at Churchill and Iqaluit. John was the Regional Information Officer for the Government of the N.W.T. – 1972 – 1974; Executive Director, Inuit Claims Commission of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, 1974 – 1976; Vice President of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, 1977- 1979; President of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, for nine years between 1980 and 1991; Co-Chair of Inuit Committee on National Issues, 1982 – 1986; Chair, Nunavut Constitutional Forum, 1982 – 1984; Member of Executive Committee, Inuit Circumpolar Conference, 1981 – 1983; Chief Commissioner, Nunavut Implementation Commission, 1993 – 1999; Wrote weekly column (My Little Corner of Canada) for local paper for more then ten years; Awards – National Aboriginal Achievement Award, Award for Excellence (PSCC). He obtained an Honorary Ph.D. from St. Mary’s University, Chevalier de la Legion D’Honneur; and is a Toronto Maple Leaf fan since 1961.