Yumimi Pang
Northern News Services
Published Monday, June 9, 2008

UQSUQTUUQ/GJOA HAVEN - When Paul Puqiqnak graduated from high school in 2000, he wasn't sure in which direction he wanted to head.

Fortunately for him, he was also involved with the National Inuit Youth Council and so it made sense for him to attend the National Inuit Youth Council Summit in Inuvik, NWT.

The decision would change his life.

At the summit, Puqiqnak, now 28, listened to a presentation about the recreation leaders program and decided that it was interesting and applied.

He was accepted and attended the recreation leaders program in Inuvik from 2002 to 2004. When he returned to Gjoa Haven with his new credentials he was soon installed as recreation co-ordinator with the hamlet.

"I enjoy working as a rec coordinator," said Puqiqnak. "We have been doing some program planning. I enjoy working in special events like hockey tournaments, National Aboriginal Day and Canada Day and Nunavut Day celebrations."

Puqiqnak added he finds it rewarding to see kids graduate high school and continue into post secondary education. He tries to instill in his young charges the message that they need to play fair and have fun.

Frances Ross, a teacher at Qiqirtaq school, said Puqiqnak has a deep commitment to the community.

"He's incredibly involved," said Ross. "He puts long volunteer hours in for recreation. He does a lot of stuff outside of work hours."

Puqiqnak also goes on the radio to strum up suggestions for programs and activities for the hamlet and then implements them.

Ross said Puqiqnak had been offered a job in the diamond mining industry, but didn't take the job - working with the community was too important.

Puqiqnak also has hobbies outside of work, including going out on the land, walking around the community and staying active in general. Puqiqnak also dabbles in photography, a pastime he has had since he was a child.

Puqiqnak's father, Uriash, has been a strong role model in his life.

"He supported me a lot in many ways," said Puqiqnak of his father, the mayor of Gjoa Haven and former MLA, who was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2005.

Puqiqnak credits his mother with keeping him going and always being available to talk. He also has five brothers and three sisters. Three of his siblings were adopted.

Puqiqnak believes strongly in helping and learning from elders in his community.

Currently Puqiqnak sits on the Gjoa Haven district education authority, and although he has been asked more than once if he plans on following in his father's political footsteps, he said: "No plans yet. People are asking me, but no plans yet."