Stephanie McDonald
Northern News Services
Published Monday, September 24, 2007

QIKIQTARJUAQ - Qikiqtarjuaq is hoping that a community economic development plan will give it a badly needed shot in the arm.

With high unemployment rates and a shrinking population, the community is searching for ways to revitalize.

"It's to look for opportunities and to harmonize the community together so we all have one goal we're working towards," said SAO Mike Richards.

Consultant Robert Trudeau of Thunder Bay, Ont., was in the hamlet last week to meet with community groups and individuals to discuss what initiatives they hope to pursue. He has also been in contact with Nunavut Tourism, the Nunavut Development Corporation and a dozen people from various departments in the GN.

Harry Alookie, manager of the Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO), had the chance to meet with Trudeau one on one, and told him his three priorities for the community development plan. The first is to build a fish plant that would process turbot and potentially Arctic char and Arctic clams.

"It's the biggest issue that would benefit the community," Alookie said.

Secondly, Alookie would like to see the tourism industry cultivated. The HTO has been working with the Canadian Wildlife Service for the past five years in setting up two bird colonies, and he hopes to see more visitors in town within a year or two.

Trudeau spoke of creating a tourism co-ordinator position and of starting a gathering house, which would have wildlife and cultural exhibits for tourists.

Trudeau's areas of focus are in line with Alookie's, and he sees the potential for the arts and crafts industry to be bolstered as well.

Qikiqtarjuaq already has an old tannery building that could be transformed into a workshop where seal skins could be produced, as well as a place for buying and selling carvings and jewelry.

Finally, Alookie hopes Trudeau will investigate how to attract mineral exploration to Qikiqtarjuaq.

"More and more community individuals are attending the prospecting course," Alookie said, and he feels they would be ready for employment with these companies.

Trudeau left the community on Sept. 12 but is set to return in the coming weeks. He will once again meet with the hamlet council, the HTO board and have a public meeting. Together, the community will chose one project to pursue to kick-start the economic development plan. Trudeau anticipates that the arts and craft industry could be the first one developed, as infrastructure is already in place.

"In the past there have been very good studies done ... the last thing the community wants is another study that just sits on the shelf. They want something to actually happen," Trudeau said.

Alookie said the community is optimistic the plan will produce results.

"More and more younger guys who are finishing high school are starting to realize that it's very important to have community economic development planning in place," he said. "If the community follows the plan, then definitely we will have a healthier community."