Condolences to the family of Dr. Noah Carpenter, M.D.; IRC honours the accomplishment of becoming first Inuit/Inuvialuit doctor and a long surgical practice of medicine

Press Release

September 27th, 2023

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) is remembering the great success and strong determination of Dr. Noah Carpenter from Ikaahuk (Sachs Harbour), son of Ada and Atjgaliaq Fred Carpenter.

Noah is believed to be the first ever Inuvialuk to become a M.D., to then push even farther into medicine becoming a leading General Surgeon in his specialized fields.  IRC is sad to learn of his recent passing and would like to offer comfort to the family and his communities on this significant loss for Inuvialuit.

“Dr. Noah Carpenter is an inspiration to all Inuvialuit, and we are proud of Beneficaries who have since followed in pursuing areas of medicine and science, like Noah Carpenter, who dedicate themselves to complete advanced schooling and show Inuvialuit what we can achieve in our lives and careers,” said Chair and CEO Duane Ningaqsiq Smith.

Noah Carpenter continually furthered his education even beyond M.D. while working in, and advancing the techniques of, thorasic and vascular surgery.  Noah was given a Indspire (Aboriginal Achivement) Award in 1995.  We have heard that he enjoyed listening to Sallirmiutun songs and never forgot his Traditional Inuvialuit upbringing.  Noah was a survivor of Residential Schools starting in Aklavik and was recently welcomed back for a family visit and S.A.M.S. (Inuvik high school) reunion here in the Region. He is an inspiration and will be remembered.

– 30 –

For media inquiries, please contact Alexandrea Gordon, Manager of Communications, at communications@inuvialuit.com or 867-678-5490.

IHT6