Biography

Jackie Jacobson was elected to the 16th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories on October 1, 2007 to represent the Nunakput constituency, and re-elected on October 3, 2011 to the 17th Legislative Assembly. He was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories on October 27, 2011. His grandparents, Jimmy and Bella Jacobson, raised Mr. Jacobson, a lifelong resident of his home community Tuktoyaktuk, along with his five brothers and four sisters.

Mr. Jacobson has been an active member of the Tuktoyaktuk community serving on the hamlet council as the mayor for two terms and as a hamlet councillor for two terms. He served as the secretary/treasurer of the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation for eight years, as a community recreation board member for three years, and as the Chair of the Tuktoyaktuk Housing board for four years. In addition, Mr. Jacobson served for six years as both member of the board and as the Chair of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation, and Chair of the Human Resources Board with Norterra.

Mr. Jacobson is a 23-year member of the Canadian Rangers now bearing the rank of Sergeant. He also served in the Junior Rangers and as a member of the local search and rescue team. Mr. Jacobson has been an active volunteer member of the Tuktoyaktuk Fire Department for the past 25 years.

Mr. Jacobson’s work experience includes five years as a Tuktoyaktuk community constable and by-law officer and six years with TransCanada Pipelines as a construction inspector.

Mr. Jacobson fills his spare time with family-related activity, traditional harvesting practises such as hunting and fishing, and dog-mushing, including a win in the Peter Norberg Memorial Dog Race. Mr. Jacobson is a 19-year minor hockey coach and a member of the Tuktoyaktuk Senior Men’s hockey team.

Mr. Jacobson and his wife Jenny have seven children.