by Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 16/98) - James Arreak is on the Royal Bank of Canada's Northern management track.

As the Iqaluit branch's accounts manager for special projects, he will play a key role in Royal's big accounts handling Nunavut's capital.

The bank counts Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and Nunasi Corporation among its clientele.

Arreak said he "understands the dynamics" of Iqaluit and said business growth in the East will be a big part of the dynamics of Nunavut.

"I've seen business people position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities. From a business point of view, the sky's the limit," he said.

Prior to joining the bank's Iqaluit branch about a year ago, Arreak ran a retail business for the Nunasi Corporation. He also set up a his own company, Sirmik Consulting.

Born in Igloolik and raised in Pond Inlet, Arreak is the second youngest of Joanasie and Eunice Arreak's 13 children. Arreak's brother, Lazarus Arreak serves as president of Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

Arreak said his management skills go back to the family environment.

With that many siblings you learn to deal with many different personalities, he said.

Arreak has a bachelors degree in business and a municipal administration certificate.

He plans to expand his qualifications by taking an MBA as well as a securities course.

News/North spoke with Arreak at the '98 Nunavut Trade Show.