Virginia Mearns, Canada’s Arctic ambassador, is the keynote speaker for the 2026 Kivalliq Trade Show. Mearns is seen here speaking at the Ingiulik Nunavut Shipping Summit in Iqaluit in January. (File photo)

Virginia Mearns, Canada’s Arctic ambassador, will be the keynote speaker at the 2026 Kivalliq Trade Show in Rankin Inlet.

Mearns is set to speak on the morning of Sept. 22 at the Agnico Eagle Arena after a half-hour of opening remarks, according to the event’s website.

The longtime Nunavut leader was appointed Arctic ambassador in September 2025. In that role, she serves as Canada’s senior Arctic official for the Arctic Council.

She has held senior positions at Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Government of Nunavut. Last year, she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to the territory.

The theme of the 2026 Kivalliq Trade Show is Naalagit: Listen. The week will feature discussion panels, an art market and entertainment, including a fashion show and live music.

The week kicks off Sept. 19 with the Kivalliq Entrepreneurship Program, which will see aspiring business owners learning about financial literacy, accounting and bookkeeping.

The trade show kicks off on Sept. 21.

Mearns did not respond to a request for comment. Nunatsiaq News reached out to trade show co-ordinator Keith Collier, as well, but he did not respond to a request for comment.