Elizabeth (Liz) Pijogge is an Inuk born and raised in Nain, Nunatsiavut. Liz incorporates her Indigenous knowledge into her role as the Northern contaminants researcher (NCR) for the Nunatsiavut Government. Her knowledge has been passed down through generations of Inuit who call Nunatsiavut home.
Nunatsiavut is one of the four Inuit regions in Canada, situated in Northern Labrador. As the NCR, her job is to help protect and monitor the environment and animals from contaminants such as mercury, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), and microplastics. Liz samples ringed seal, Arctic char, seabirds, and plankton. Her plastics partner is Dr. Max Liboiron from Memorial University, and together they have been monitoring plastics for the last six years, studying microplastics in the wild food and the environment.
Liz has received the Inuit Recognition Award for her work and Research Partner Dean's Award from Memorial University.