Rose Marie Iriarr̂uk Nirliq Tuuqłak Kirby (née Thrasher) was born at the Hornaday River in 1946, during a time when Inuvialuit lived nomadically. She spent her early years travelling with family around the Paulatuuq area following the changing seasons. In 1968, Rose finally found a religion that embraced her Inuvialuit culture and values. She was the first Inuk woman to become a Bahá'í, leading her to her Bahá’í husband Tom Kirby. Rose had a long career as an educator in Fort McPherson, Aktlarvik, Inuuvik, and Paulatuuq, then as an Inuvialuktun Language Specialist for her local education board. She has devoted her life to educating others about her Inuvialuit culture, history, and language. Today, Rose lives in Inuuvik, Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), with her daughter Cheryl and granddaughters Brianna and Aubri (and their two chihuahuas, Daisy and Mocha).