Impressions of Northern life
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Cambridge Bay (Feb 05/01) - Brian Jones is modest first, then he aspires.
The Cambridge Bay resident is quite hesitant to talk about his Web site, but the fact is I've not come across anything so potentially public and so selfless at once.
Jones, a five-year Northerner, started his Web site not long ago, and it features something far bigger than himself: the Arctic.
Building a Web site is a slow process, says Jones, but he would love contributions from fellow Arctic-dwellers.
"I've sort of drawn up a paper for them, and all they have to do is just write up what they want and give me a couple of pictures. And I'll put up their pictures for them."
So far, there are gorgeous photographs of the Arctic, as well as ruminations and, a must, the weather.
The site is not for the passer-by.
As Jones explains on his site, "MyArctic will reveal the impressions of those who have stayed here long enough to know both the tranquility of the long winter night and the euphoria of the midnight sun. It will not be the impressions of those who stay two weeks and write a book but rather of those who understand that no matter how long you live in the Arctic, it can never be understood."
Jones says he'd like the site to develop locally at first. It's manageable that way.
"I'd like to get some pictures of elders and do a little interview with them. And once I get that going it will have some kind of shape and form. And also I have to get the link section up."
Jones also hopes to get a forum page up on the site.
"I want it to be a resource. I don't want it to be commercial at all," he says.
"If somebody says they came up here and lived here for the last five years and can't stand the place, and this is why -- then put that up. And if somebody comes up here and says this is the best place they ever came to then put that up."
But like most Webmasters, Jones works on his pages when he gets the time. He works with computers full-time, and this is an interest.
"There were three motivating factors. One was that this is a place where I can learn some skills, like how to make a Web page. It's my attempt of delving into the Internet.
The other thing is that I live here and I have a strong interest in Nunavut. And I would like to do something that somebody else hasn't done. And I guess also like it to be a place where people can share their voice with the rest of the world."
The idea for the Web site came about as a result of late night discussion with fellow Cam Bay resident Terra Tailleur, who says on her page: "I was just a suburban mall chick when I first came to Cambridge Bay."
"Now I only shop at a place where orange juice costs $9. I wear my pyjamas to work. And I drink wine out of a box. But the Arctic doesn't just change someone's shopping list. It bitch-slaps anyone who gets too close. All you can do is grab on to the nearest building and hang on tight for whatever comes next. The ride is both exhilarating and frustrating. It can transform a simple girl into a snow-loving, bureaucracy-hating, darkness-fearing, tuktu-eating brooder with too much time on her hands. Hence this Web site."
Like most people who start up Web sites, Jones seems adaptable. He's willing to see the site evolve according to the desire of both Arctic dwellers and Arctic seekers.
But, like most creators of Web sites, Jones requires visitors to encourage his natural interests.
Check it out: www.myarctic.com and let him know what you think. But remember a Web site is like a home...if its creator invites you in, he deserves the same respect you might give any host.
