News Releases

IDC Chair and CEO Dennie Lennie Loses Battle with Cancer

Thursday, January 15, 2004

The Inuvialuit Corporate Group expresses their deepest regrets on the passing of Inuvialuit Development Corporation Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Dennie Lennie. Mr. Lennie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2004, at the age of 47, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Lennie had served his people tirelessly in this position for the last ten years, overseeing the stabilization and transformation of IDC into one of the largest and most successful aboriginal businesses in Canada. Mr. Lennie served on the boards of IDC subsidiary companies including NorTerra Inc., Akita Equtak, Aklak Inc., PAIL, NASCo and others providing vision, guidance and cultural diplomacy which elevated the interests of his people in a dignified and caring style.

Mr. Lennie was a leader in the Northwest Territories business community and dedicated his time selflessly to public service institutions including the GNWT Economic Development Strategy Panel, the Business Credit Corporation, the Economic Development Advisory Group, the Inuvik Town Council and the Inuvik Community Corporation.

Mr. Lennie touched many people in his travels as IDC's ambassador, leaving all with rich memories of an extremely astute business leader who could balance business goals with a deep commitment to people, his culture and his dream for IDC to contribute to the wellbeing of future Inuvialuit generations.