Coppermine (Mar 29/04) - The mayor of Kugluktuk, Stanley Anablak, has stepped down as mayor to spend more time with his mother and brother, who were both recently diagnosed with cancer.

"It was the stress mainly from family," said Anablak last week. "My mother has full cancer. There is no recovery for her," he said.

His older brother was also recently diagnosed with cancer and just returned from treatment in Edmonton.

Anablak, who wears many hats, also resigned as president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities on March 19.

"I couldn't concentrate, thinking of my mother," he said.

"It made it hard for me. Really stressful."

This was Anablak's third term as mayor of Kugluktuk.

He has been involved with hamlet politics for 12 years, and recently ran for vice-president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., a race he lost to Raymond Ningeocheak.

Plans to return

Looking back, Anablak enjoyed his time as mayor.

"I really enjoyed working for the community," he said.

"I have to take care of myself, too. Not stress myself out. I'll get back into it once everything settles down."

Anablak continues in his job as lands officer with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA).

Peter Taptuna, deputy mayor, has been asked to sit in as acting mayor.

Anablak's term was up December 2004.