Goota Desmarais was born in Kinngait, Nunavut. Her early childhood was spent in a modern Inuit settlement during the winters and in a traditional camp during the summers. Goota is now an urban Esikisimu, living in Sherwood Park, Alberta. She stays connected to her Inuit culture through frequent visits to her home communities. Goota recently spent 8 months in Iqaluit teaching Inuktitut classes at Inuksuk High School. Through her business, Inuit Connections, Goota has been sharing her Inuit culture for over 25 years in Alberta and across Western Canada. She has educated students and adults about life in Nunavut at schools, festivals and for Government organizations. Goota is a Knowledge Keeper with the Alberta Teachers Association’s Walking Together Education for Reconciliation. She is an active member of the Inuit Community Development and Education Foundation and coordinates Community Gatherings and Traditional Food distributions to strengthen Inuit culture in Edmonton. Even after living in the South for over 30 years, Goota has not forgotten the hardships of living in Nunavut. She is committed to supporting Inuit Communities. With help and support of the schools and organizations she has worked with, Goota has been coordinating the collection of gently used clothing, sporting goods and non-perishables to send to Communities in Nunavut for the last 10 years.