Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (June 26/02) - The hamlet of Baker Lake has taken a small step towards reducing the high cost of motor repairs.

The hamlet recently hosted a small engine repair course.

The month-long course was sponsored by Kivalliq Partners in Development, co-ordinated by the hamlet and delivered by Lakeland College.

Career development officer Hilu Tagoona says the course came about as a result of a need being identified in the community.

"Our economic development officer, Phillip Tagoona, knew there was a need for training because a lot of people send out their motors even for minor repairs," says Tagoona.

"We felt those repairs could be done locally."

Phillip began searching the Internet for a skills-based certificate course that was short in length.

His efforts led him to instructor Paul Myshaniuk at Lakeland College, who was eager to come to Baker.

"The people who took the course now feel comfortable working on machines without having to send parts out," he says.

"We already have a couple of them who are talking to Phillip about receiving some type of funding to get the tools necessary to work on other people's vehicles."

A total of 12 people finished the course, which focused on snowmobiles, ATVs and outboard motors.

Course graduates are Marvin Mannik, Scott Qiyuk, Devon Killulark, Darryl Simailak, Peter Owingayak, Levi Quinangnaq, Gordon Utatnaaq, Norman Ukpaga, Lon Perkison, Troy Akilak, Abraham Iglookyouak and Alex Iqqaat.

Tagoona says one of the main goals in holding the course is for people to be able to keep their machines, and those of friends and family, running smoothly.

She says some of the participants are hunters and the skills they learned will be a big help if they run into machine trouble on the land.

"Having them learn the skills necessary to be able to make minor repairs on the land and get back safely was another important aspect of the program." Tagoona says another course will be considered if a strong group of students is identified.

"The students we had did very well and we'd have to see another group that was just as interested and committed to doing well in the course before we'd host another one."