Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sept 03/01) - It's all in the eyes, says security guard Unaliq Irniq.

Protecting Nunavut's ornate chamber Legislative Assembly's, diamond-tipped mace and territorial politicians requires organized observation.

He spends his eight-hour daytime shift monitoring three screens connected to 11 surveillance cameras. Irniq, 19, is one of three guards providing 24-hour security.

Every hour he taps into a computerized log book. Twice a day he opens the spacious, seal skin-lined chambers for tourists.

Autographs are part of the job.

"I make sure visitors sign in," said Irniq from behind his wood-paneled desk.

The two-storey high-rise houses members of the territory's Legislative Assembly and their support staff.

The code of conduct for guards includes no gum and no smoking. Uniforms are navy-blue pants, white shirts, blue vests and blue ties.

Irniq said his dad, Nunavut's Commissioner Peter Irniq is one of the "famous" people he sees every shift. People he's on a first name basis with are Minister of Community Government and Transportation, Jack Anawak, Minister of Public Works and Services, Manitok Thompson, and MLA Uriash Puqiqak.

Irniq was born in Churchill, Manitoba, grew up in Rankin Inlet and moved to Iqaluit four years ago. His last visit to Manitoba in 1994 left him scarred.

"I was playing soccer in the school gym -- in Rankin Inlet. I went to kick the ball and felt a sharp pain in my right side," he said.

The pain was an inflamed appendix.

Doctors in Winnipeg removed the non-vital organ 24-hours later.

Irniq returns to Inuksuk high school in Iqaluit to finish Grade 11 and 12 this fall -- at which point he'll pick up afternoon shifts as a security guard. When asked about future plans, he shrugged. "I want to get more experience for the future. I just want a job. Isn't that what everyone wants?"