As part of our staff feature series, we are thrilled to profile the Gordon Foundation’s Program Director, Selma Ford! 

Selma, originally from Nain, Nunatsiavut, lives in Ottawa. Selma has spent her entire career working on behalf of Inuit, whether delivering prenatal programs in her hometown or coordinating activities at national and international levels. 

Here is a short Q&A to introduce Selma. 

Photo credit: Qarjuit Youth Council.

Please tell us a bit about yourself. 

I am a mom of three and a grandmother of two! Growing up in a small, isolated community in Northern Labrador I grew up in two worlds; the contemporary one of modern life and the traditional Inuit one – hunting and fishing, eating caribou and seal, fish, ptarmigan and berries. It is this upbringing and connection to my Inuit culture that is intrinsic to everything I do. 

Selma and colleague in Salluit, Quebec.

What motivates you in your work? 

I have always worked for Indigenous people and that is where my passion lies so the opportunity to work at the Gordon Foundation and being involved in treaty education was a great fit. It gave me the opportunity to expand beyond working for Inuit issues only into working in the interest of all the other Indigenous groups in Canada.  

Photo credit: Qarjuit Youth Council

What excites you most about your role as Program Director? 

Connecting with young people and those experienced in treaties from communities across Canada never gets old. There is always something new to learn, a new place to explore. Bringing two different worlds together, that of young people wanting to know more and experience Elders and negotiators, is inspiring.