Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 11/02) - Jaco Ishulutaq performed a task during the last sitting of Nunavut's legislative assembly in Panniqtuuq deeply steeped in tradition.

As sergeant-at-arms, he has a job in parliamentary politics dating back to 1279.

The role became an important one in British history when King Edward I gathered 20 people to protect him. He called this group of men his sergeants-at-arms.

"The sergeant-at-arms carried a mace which was a long stick with a heavy iron ball at the end. He swung it at the people if they were going to get into trouble," said public affairs officer for Nunavut's legislative assembly Tony Rose.

Over time, the mace evolved from a weapon to an ornamental symbol recognizing the power given to elected officials.

In turn, the sergeant-at-arms went from protector of royalty to protector of the legislature.

Panniqtuuq MLA Peter Kilabuk was the first to ask Ishulutaq to be a sergeant-at-arms.

"He's very active in the community. He's very well liked. I thought this was a good way to introduce him to the members of the legislature and the issues," said Kilabuk.

The latest session of the assembly was the second time Ishulutaq has served as sergeant-at-arms. He filled the position in the spring of 2000 when the assembly met in Iqaluit.

The sergeant-at-arms for the Nunavut legislative assembly is appointed on a rotational basis.

Ishulutaq said his 12 years as a Canadian Ranger was the reason Kilabuk chose him for the role.

"You have to be strong and patient. I am very honoured," said Ishulutaq.

He carries the working mace (a replica of the original kept in Iqaluit) into the assembly at the beginning of the day's session and out at the end.

As sergeant-at-arms, Ishulutaq takes on the extra responsibilities ensuring people take off their hats, keeping refreshments outside the door, and keeping noise and other distractions to a minimum.