Arviat (Sep 13/06) - A southern company is throwing its support behind a new Kivalliq enterprise.

The Wilderness Consultants Co. was called into Arviat earlier this month to help with the launch of an ambitious project by local entrepreneur Ryan St. John.

Guide trainer Wes Werbowy has an extensive history in the North, and has held numerous big game and guide-training courses across the Kivalliq region.

Werbowy says he was impressed with St. John's efforts, referring to the entrepreneur as a prime example of someone with a positive vision of economic growth in Nunavut.

"Ryan is combining the worlds of business and traditional values to bring his Henik Lade Adventure to life," says Werbowy.

"I am impressed with his attempt to bring prosperity and employment to Arviat using renewable resources."

Werbowy says with the cost of flying to Africa being relatively the same as Arviat, only a first-class operation has a chance of being successful.

He says tourists will pay for the privilege of hunting in Nunavut, but only if the high cost is balanced by a world-class experience.

"Ryan recognized this early in his planning and is taking dramatic steps in reaching that goal.

"The Katimivik is a new establishment for accommodation in Arviat, and it provides the level of customer service and attention to detail that makes visitors want to return.

"Ryan also wanted to ensure the guides and staff who will attend to the needs of future hunters reflect these professional values."

Werbowy held a training program to meet St. John's immediate needs earlier this month.

Graduating from the program were Peter Alareak, Paul Anowtalik, Mark and Angie Eetak, Leo Ikakhik, Cyril Komakjuak, Peter Mikeeuneak, Mary Okatsiak and Donald Owbik.

The graduates learned the basics of customer service, and the skills required to safely and professionally guide hunters from other cultures.

The participants went on the land to conduct a complete simulation of the hunting experience they will soon be expected to provide for paying customers.

Werbowy says the students were amazed to learn the majority of the money received from a hunt stays in Nunavut through wages, local goods and government fees.

"In a monetary sense, that reflects the traditional value of sharing the results of the hunt with your neighbours."