Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Kugluktuk (Oct 02/00) - What's in an name? In Kugluktuk, the answer might add up to a wealth of grants, loans and new jobs.

A new corporation was recently formed in Kugluktuk and it is up to the community to name it.

Kugluktuk mayor Joanne Taptuna said the formation of the corporation had everything to do with necessity.

"We felt we were getting left behind in jobs," said Taptuna. "We felt left out and wanted something made by the people of Kugluktuk," she added.

Consultation began a year ago for the formation of a corporation. Since then the hamlet has been working on hammering out the corporation's policies, procedures and guidelines.

The hamlet has held various public meetings on the issue and Taptuna has said the public is behind it.

A suggestion box has been set up in the hamlet to take recommendation for names and questions from the community.

There are various projects Taptuna said the corporation would like to head.

One of them is a bed and breakfast and the other is a possible joint-venture to build a corrections facility in Kugluktuk.

"We are looking for avenues to apply for grants to fund projects," said Taptuna.

Kitikmeot Corporation secretary-treasurer Keith Peterson said he welcomes the new corporation in the Kitikmeot region.

"If they came to us we'd make available loans and grants programs to them," said Peterson.

The corporation's council was appointed by the hamlet council.

The current council will only serve for one year and the next council will be voted in.

The corporation council consists of current hamlet council members with Taptuna as president.