Martha Flaherty

Martha belongs to one of the families that were relocated from Inukjuuaq, Nunavik, to Grise Fiord, Nunavut, in the 1950s. Growing up traditionally in a family that was closely connected to the land, Martha learned to sew, prepare food, and hunt at an early age. She attended English schools in Yukon, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. Martha also attended Carleton University in Ottawa for certification in teaching a foreign language and journalism. 

Martha has held many positions across Canada and internationally as an Indigenous women’s leader and advocate—as well as a longtime professional translator and interpreter. Inspired by her grandfather, Robert Flaherty’s film Nanook of the North, Martha produced her own film, Martha of the North, documenting her relocation experience. 

She has also worked with the National Film Board, producing a series of Inuit culture vignettes. Martha is a former president and board member of Pauktuutit, the Inuit Women’s Association of Canada. 

An avid craftsperson, she likes to sew clothes, do beadwork, draw, paint, and has been recently working on two other documentaries. She has travelled extensively throughout her career and has met many dignitaries, including Desmond Tutu, King Charles III, and Pierre Trudeau.

Martha has three children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren and makes her home in Ottawa.  Two of her children have graduated from Law School and are practicing law in Ottawa. She has also recently received a Coronation medal from King Charles.

Martha is also working on a powerful documentary about High Arctic relocation, titled Shadow of Nanook.  They are still looking for funding to finish the editing. It’s named after her grandfather's famous old film, Nanook of the North.