Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (Feb 06/02) - The community of Baker Lake is convinced it's not a question of if the tourism industry will boom in the Kivalliq, but when.

Baker's chief economic development officer, Philip Tagoona, identified outfitter training as the best way for residents to benefit from tourism.

Tagoona contacted Wes Werbowy of Wilderness Consultants to deliver a training program in Baker this past month.

Werbowy said many people don't realize there is a vast difference between being a guide and an outfitter.

"They fail to see the outfitter as the employer and administrative head of the organization," said Werbowy.

"The guide is responsible for the day-to-day interaction with the guests, while the outfitter is responsible for the running of the business."

The course is demanding and covers all aspects of government regulations and licensing, insurance and safety needs and basic business communication, promotion and marketing.

Participants learn how to identify equipment needs and design their own camps.

Werbowy said there is a strong focus on business etiquette, customer service and the realities of running a business.

"In some cases, individuals discover the business demands are far greater than they imagined," he said.

Not everyone in the Baker course was thrilled with the life of an outfitter.

Gabriel Joedee went into the course thinking outfitting was an easier job than guiding.

"Being an outfitter looks like too much to handle for me," said Joedee, upon completing the course.

Solomon Tagoona also found the course demanding.

"You have to be a jack of all trades, even with people," said Tagoona. "I'd rather be a guide than an outfitter."

Whether enamoured of the life of an outfitter or not, many participants found the course to be a helpful tool, including the lone female participant, Joan Scottie.

"Not only did the course teach me how to manage my outfitting business, it also taught me how to be more competent and professional in handling my guides and clients," said Scottie.