David Pelly
Author, Ethnographer, Historian
David's abiding passion is the lessons he has been gifted by Inuit Elders, whose wisdom changed forever the way he sees the Arctic landscape. As an author, this has had a profound impact on his writing.
David led his first Arctic expedition in 1977, beginning a northern career spanning the decades since. During that time, he published ten books and countless articles about the North, the land, its history, and its people. His most recent book is The Ancestors Are Happy.
He has worked with biologists and archaeologists in the field, developed and written documentary films, served as co-curator of Inuit art exhibitions, and assisted with numerous community-based cultural projects across Nunavut.
Much of David’s work has been rooted in the collection of oral history and traditional knowledge from Inuit Elders. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal "for dedication to the preservation of Inuit oral history and traditional knowledge [and for his] many works to help increase Canadians' understanding of the North." In June 2025, David was honoured with the Order of Canada for his “[dedication] to preserving and honouring Indigenous history and customs for decades.”
An adventurer in his own right, David continued to lead northern expeditions, travelling by canoe and by dog team for thousands of kilometres across Arctic landscapes.
Currently, David spends much of his time managing a small foundation, the Ayalik Fund, which gives Inuit youth who would otherwise not have such opportunities a chance to build self-esteem and confidence, through challenging outdoor adventure. Please visit the Ayalik Fund through our Partnerships page for more information.