Elisapie Isaac

Unconditional love for her homeland and tender reflections on Inuit culture and traditions are deeply entrenched in the work of Inuk singer-songwriter, actor, director and activist Elisapie (b. Elisapie Isaac, 1977).

Raised in the remote community of Salluit in Nunavik, the northernmost region of Quebec, she began singing on stage as a teenager with her uncle. After moving to Montréal to pursue communications and music, Elisapie wrote and directed the prize-winning documentary Sila piqujippat (If the Weather Permits) and won a JUNO Award as part of the musical duo Taima.

The Ballad of the Runaway Girl (2018), which showcased her storytelling talent and her ability to sing effortlessly in Inuktitut, English and French. Inuktitut (2023) is a nostalgic compilation of covers that she performs in her mother tongue of songs by artists – from Blondie to Led Zeppelin – who influenced her growing up. It earned her the 2024 JUNO Award for Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year.

Elisapie is the creator and producer of Le grand solstice, a musical and cultural celebration televised annually to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Proud advocates for the rights and well-being of their people, the three modern-day Indigenous leaders in this inaugural series are honoured for dedicating their lives to preserving Métis, First Nations and Inuit culture and improving the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

The second set of stamps in the Indigenous Leaders series honours three Métis, First Nations and Inuit leaders whose tireless efforts to protect the rights, culture and welfare of their people had a profound influence on Canada’s history.

The thid set of stamps issued in 2024 pays tribute to three remarkable women.

The fourth set features three stamps honouring the remarkable knowledge/language keepers of the Indigenous Leaders series.