About
Idlout received a bachelor's degree in psychology fromLakehead Universityin 1997, and a Juris Doctor from theUniversity of Ottawa(2018).[9] Between 2004 and 2011, Idlout served as the executive director of the Nunavut Embrace Life Council, a not-for-profit organization committed to suicide prevention. Idlout's time as its executive director saw expansion to its services and securing a budget to address issues of mental health.[3]Idlout had previously worked for Nunavut's Department of Health andNunavut Tunngavik Incorporatedas a policy analyst, and was the founder of Coalition of Nunavut DEAs as a director of the Iqaluit District Education Authority in order to advocate for educational services.[3] Before her election, Idlout practiced law in Iqaluit with her own firm, Qusugaq Law. She represented the group protesting against theBaffinland Iron Mine's expansion, as well as serving as the technical adviser for the Ikajutit Hunters and Trappers Organization during a public hearing on the issue.[3][10][4]