Northern Knowledge

William Komaksiutiksak also known as Northern Knowledge is the founder of the youth led initiative Strong Minded Inuit (SMI). He is a proud family man with 2 children, and he genuinely enjoys supporting the youth in his community. William is a Rapper and Cultural Educator, who graduated from the Music Industry Arts program at Algonquin College, in August 2022. In 2018, William was awarded an RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Award in the category of Arts and Culture. In 2019, he travelled across Northern Canada, throughout Nunavut, Nunavik, and Northern Ontario, to help inspire youth in school to find their passions and follow their dreams. In March 2020, William was invited to perform as a Youth Performer at the Indspire Awards. In 2023, William travelled throughout the Inuvialuit region, in the NWT, attending youth gatherings with WAYC. He had the opportunity to learn from many other Indigenous artists and collectives, that are doing good work in their communities. Currently William travels to schools and communities across Ontario with the goal of highlighting Inuit culture in a good way. He is also taking the time to learn how to carve and create traditional Inuit tools like the Qulliq (oil lamp), and the Qilauti (drum). Through his music and workshops William is reclaiming and relearning his Inuit culture and language of Inuktitut. William believes in creating a positive change through the messages he shares in his work. His 3 key messages are the importance of family, culture, and education.