The Anglican community and Inuit society have lost a pivotal figure with the passing of Bishop Paul Idlout, the world’s first Inuk bishop, who died in Iqaluit on New Year’s Eve at the age of 90. His life was marked by resilience, cultural leadership, and a commitment to reconciliation, making him a cherished elder and a powerful advocate for Inuit rights and spirituality.
A Life Shaped by Tradition and Change
Born on April 21, 1935, in Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) on Baffin Island, Paul Ullatitaq Idlout was the first of nine children in a family that lived a traditional nomadic lifestyle. His upbringing was steeped in the ways of the land, spending summers in tents and winters in igloos. He did not attend school until the age of 20, instead learning about life from the teachings of his family and community.
Bishop Idlout’s early exposure to Anglicanism was influenced by his grandfather, a lay minister, and his father, Joseph Idlout, a respected hunter and photographer. This connection to religion would later guide him on his path to becoming a spiritual leader.
In 1955, his family was relocated by the Canadian government to Resolute Bay, a move intended to assert sovereignty during the Cold War. This forced relocation brought significant hardships, including a lack of adequate housing and cultural disconnection. Reflecting on this period in 2013, Bishop Idlout spoke of the stark realities they faced: “There were no houses and it was fall and very cold. We lived in a tent and the tent was very cold.”
A Journey to Leadership
After the family’s eventual return to Pond Inlet, Idlout met Abigail Alooloo, who would become his wife and a crucial supporter of his education. With Abigail’s encouragement, he pursued high school through correspondence courses while he worked as a Special Constable with the RCMP and later as a kayak builder. However, struggles with alcohol led him to seek change.
In 1986, he enrolled at the Arthur Turner Training School, an Anglican theological institution in Pangnirtung, where he was ordained as a priest in 1990. It was a significant turning point, allowing him to serve various communities across Baffin Island. His leadership culminated in 1996 when he was elected as suffragan bishop of the Diocese of the Arctic, making history as the first Inuk bishop in any Christian denomination.
The election of Bishop Idlout was notable for its complexity, requiring extensive ballots, where he ultimately won the support of clergy despite stiff competition from Rev. Benjamin Arreak. His consecration at St. Jude’s Cathedral in Iqaluit on June 2, 1996, was a landmark event, celebrated in both Inuktitut and English. “It was wonderful. It was really nice with all the people there. I think that it was the first time the people had seen themselves in a place of authority in their own land,” he remarked.
A Legacy of Service and Reconciliation
Bishop Idlout’s tenure as suffragan bishop lasted until 2004, during which he became a beloved figure in the community. Known for his kindness and sense of humour, he was instrumental in mentoring Inuit theological students, fostering a sense of identity and leadership within the church. “Bishop Paul was a real servant, a gentle and kind man… he wore it all with winsome humility and joy,” recalled Joey Royal, a former suffragan bishop.
Even after retirement, he continued to play an active role in his community, engaging in traditional hunting and teaching, as well as providing spiritual guidance in Apex, a nearby community. His funeral service was held at St. Jude’s Cathedral, where tributes poured in, including heartfelt condolences from Governor-General Mary Simon, who referred to him as “a remarkable spirit” and a “prominent elder who championed peace, reconciliation, and love.”
Diocesan Bishop Alexander Pryor underscored Idlout’s significant influence, stating that he “paved the way” for future Inuit leaders and remained dedicated to his family and culture throughout his life.
Why it Matters
Bishop Paul Idlout’s legacy extends far beyond his role within the church; he was a bridge between traditional Inuit culture and contemporary society. His life’s work not only empowered Inuit voices in spiritual matters but also highlighted the importance of reconciliation and understanding in a post-colonial Canada. As the first Inuk bishop, he paved the way for subsequent Inuit leaders, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing story of Indigenous rights and representation in Canada. His contributions will resonate for generations to come, reminding us of the strength found in humility, faith, and community.
