Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Dec 22/99) - When you need the right tool for the job, he's the man to see.

For almost two years now, Joachim Ayaruak has been a stockkeeper for the Northwest Territories Power Corp.

Based in Rankin Inlet, Ayaruak has been meeting the equipment needs of the seven Kivalliq hamlets since Jan. 5, 1998.

It doesn't matter if it's mechanics, linemen, operators or electricians -- if they need a part, they see Joachim.

"We order an awful lot of stuff every year by sealift, but they use so much equipment we always have to order extra items like meters out of Yellowknife, that type of thing," says Ayaruak.

"Basically, I'm responsible for keeping inventory and meeting the needs of NTPC employees across the Kivalliq."

Born and raised in Rankin, but lured by the bright lights of the city, Ayaruak moved to Winnipeg in 1983.

He drove clients around for Gloria Penner's Ublivik Centre for more than nine years in Winnipeg, before trying his hand at managing a 7-11 store.

An experience which, ultimately, led him back to Rankin.

"I was the midnight manager for about three months.

"About 2 a.m. one morning, four guys came into the store and one had his hand in his jacket like he had a gun.

"They stole all my lottery tickets and said if I followed them outside, I was dead."

Most 7-11 workers have emergency beepers on a chain under their shirt and Ayaruak was no exception.

He was, however, not exactly thrilled by the results.

"I pressed the beeper and locked up the store after being robbed. It took two hours after 911 got the call before anybody arrived.

"That was enough for me. No job is worth getting shot."

Joachim, wife Joyce and now 16-year-old daughter, Maureen, headed back to Rankin.

Joachim worked operating a CAT, driving taxi and working for a local airline before ultimately ending up with the Power Corp.

The amicable stock keeper says there's very little about his job he doesn't like.

He especially enjoys the travelling aspect of his job.

"I recently went from Chesterfield Inlet to Arviat on board the fuel resupply ship, which was a great experience.

"I get to meet a lot of different people and everybody where I work is very nice.

"I do my best to meet everyone's needs. If I don't have something, I try to get it within a couple of weeks.

"Co-operation and good effort go a long way on the job."