(YELLOWKNIFE) Monday, June 2, 2025 – The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Shane Thompson, expresses heartfelt condolences to the family of the Honourable Red Pedersen, who passed away May 30, 2025.

Asger “Red” Pedersen was a respected leader, public servant, and former Speaker of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. Born in Denmark in 1935, he came to the Canadian Arctic in 1953 with the Hudson’s Bay Company and went on to dedicate his life to the people and communities of the North.

Mr. Pedersen was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1983, representing the Kitikmeot West constituency during the 10th and 11th Assemblies. He served as a Member of the Executive Council, holding numerous portfolios including Culture and Communications, Renewable Resources, Status of Women, the Science Institute, and later Personnel and Equal Employment. In 1987, he was appointed Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and served in that role until 1989.

Red Pedersen brought decades of experience in community development and northern governance to his work in the Assembly. He served as an area administrator in Kugluktuk, Pangnirtung, and Fort Rae, and was deeply involved in local governance and volunteerism. His leadership was instrumental in organizing the first settlement council in Kugluktuk, where he also served on various community committees and was active in the Boy Scouts and Canadian Rangers.

In recognition of his unwavering dedication to the Inuit people and their communities, Mr. Pedersen was bestowed the honorary title of "Inuk"—a distinction that held immense personal significance for him. Despite not being of Inuit descent, he played a pivotal role in establishing Inuit institutions, always advocating for their autonomy and ensuring that membership remained exclusive to Inuit beneficiaries. His commitment to the North was not just professional but deeply personal, as he devoted his life to the people and the land he came to cherish.

In 2003, Mr. Pedersen was made an honorary lifetime member of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association—the first person to receive this distinction—in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the region. He was also a Member of the Order of Nunavut and the Order of Canada.

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“I had the pleasure of first meeting Asger ‘Red’ Pedersen in December 1987 at the hockey rink in Kugluktuk. It was clear from that first conversation that his passion was the people of the community—he truly considered them his family. Over time, I came to understand just how deeply woven he was into the fabric of the North. He served not only as an MLA and Speaker but also as a mayor, councillor, and board member on nearly every organization in Kugluktuk and the Kitikmeot region. Yet, if you asked him, he would say his greatest accomplishment was his family. Red’s life was one of service, love, and humility. His passing leaves a tremendous void, but his legacy will continue in the lives he touched and the lessons he taught. He was more than a colleague—he was a beacon of hope and strength.”
— The Honourable Shane Thompson, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

The flags at the Legislative Assembly building in Yellowknife have been lowered to half-mast and will be lowered again on the day of his funeral. Mr. Pedersen’s Speaker portrait and robe will be displayed in the Great Hall this week to honour his memory.

For further information, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications
Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
@email