Daniel T'seleie
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Sep 05/05) - A hunter, longtime wildlife officer and board CEO has been appointed to head the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board.

Joe Tigullaraq was appointed last week as chair of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. Originally from Clyde River, he has 17 years experience as a wildlife officer. He also has experience in wildlife management office work. - Daniel T'seleie/NNSL photo

Joe Tigullaraq was appointed last Tuesday, filling a position that has been vacant for a year. Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. representative Harry Flaherty has been serving as acting chairperson.

Tigullaraq comes to the job with eight years experience in management positions with government and Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, and 17 years experience in the field as a wildlife officer.

"I think it's very good because having worked in the field gives you an appreciation of what's out there."

A hunter himself, Tigullaraq speaks with a confidence wrought through experience and education.

"I'm pretty much aware of issues in Nunavut in all of the three regions," he said.

Originally from Clyde River, he has worked in both the Baffin and Kivalliq regions.

Link for hunters, government

When speaking with Tigullaraq about current wildlife issues facing the board, it is easy to get lost in a flood of information. But he summarizes his job quite nicely, describing himself as a "link" between harvesters and the government.

The board is involved in consultation with communities about harvesting levels, and makes recommendations on quotas to the government.

One issue Tigullaraq hopes the board will tackle is the use of traditional knowledge, which he says needs to be "standardized for the purpose of wildlife management."

"I think it makes sense to use IQ in Nunavut as the majority of the population in Nunavut consists of Inuit."

Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) needs to be defined for wildlife management policy, but this definition would not apply to all situations or uses of the term.

"To come up with a definition of IQ in a general sense is very difficult."

The next NWMB meeting is scheduled for Sept. 13-15 in Iglulik.