Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (Aug 01/01) - There are six more big-game guides in the Kivalliq Region these days.

The six graduated from a three-week Level 1 Guide Training course in Baker Lake last month.

Course graduate Richard Aksawnee says he never knew how much could be learned about guiding in three short weeks.

"It's not as easy as I thought it was," says Aksawnee. "I learned a lot I never thought would be in it and found the course to be a wonderful learning success."

The Level 1 course combines an introduction into hospitality and customer service with an understanding of cultural history and local interest items.

Course graduates created a complete a five-day simulated tourism package, including the costing-out of the entire tourism experience.

Respect for the land was a major element of the course and no-trace camping was strictly adhered to.

Course graduate Russell Toolooktook was surprised by how interesting the course was and how fast it went by.

"Time really flies when you're having fun!" he says. "I learned many things I never thought of before.

"I especially enjoyed navigation with maps and compass, and the camp style we had."

The course was funded by Kivalliq Partners in Development, co-ordinated by Philip Tagoona, chief economic development officer in Baker Lake, and designed and delivered by Wes Werbow of Wilderness Consultants.

Werbowy designed the former guide training program for the GNWT, and was also instrumental in the formation of Canada-wide guide standards.

Werbowy says that although safety is of primary importance in the course, it's not without its lighter moments.

"Some of the fellows couldn't resist cooling off in the frigid water to try out their survival suits," says Werbowy. "They found they floated like corks and were comfortable in newly ice-free water.

"They also had quite the laugh."

The six grads are now eligible to continue their training as big game guides in a future Level 2 course.