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KIMMIRUT/LAKE HARBOUR - Rosie Akavak, 21, knows what it takes to be an RCMP officer. She comes from a long line of family members who have served with the RCMP.

"My grandpa's father was the RCMP officer here in Kimmirut and his son, my grandpa, was one too and his son Jimmy is one," Akavak said. "I thought it was really nice, so I guess I wanted to keep it going."

21-year-old Rosie Akavak of Kimmirut plans on becoming a member of the RCMP. - Karen Mackenzie/NNSL photo

Her great-grandfather, James Akavak, served as a special constable from 1947 until 1967. Her grandfather, Sandy Akavak, served from 1967 until 1994, and most recently, her uncle Jimmy Akavak was named the first Inuk sergeant in history earlier this year after almost 24 years of service.

Akavak said she has wanted to become a member since she was a child.

"I was a little girl when I really wanted to become a police officer," she said. "I think I was in maybe Grade 3 and I've wanted to be one ever since."

She said she is not sure if she would like to be posted in her hometown of Kimmirut when she is finished training. Being posted in the town she grew up in could be both a blessing and a curse.

"Yes and no," she laughed. "Yes, because I know everybody here and no, because I know everybody here."

Though she has postponed joining for about a year or so, she said she is still planning on entering the force. Akavak is a single mother of a 20-month-old baby.

Aside from her family history, Akavak said there are other goals motivating her decision.

"I like helping people," she said. "That would be one of the reasons why I want to join."