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KINNGAIT/CAPE DORSET - Qiatsuq Qiatsuq is no stranger to public service and the inner workings of local government.

Born and raised in Cape Dorset, he started working for the hamlet at a young age, developing his skills as a carpenter apprentice. Before long, he became the designated supervisor for the department of public works and was off to Iqaluit to study management at Nunavut Arctic College.

Qiatsuq Qiatsuq, named after both grandfathers, has been working with local government on and off since he was in his teens. - photo courtesy of John Ivey

"I was the youngest among all these geniuses in that class," Qiatsuq said. "They were all these managers, administrators, and I was at that time 18, 19.

"Actually, school opened a lot of doors for me. I got chances to upgrade my skills in almost every field."

While in Iqaluit, Qiatsuq made a living as a manager for the alcohol and drug abuse centre as well as the homeless shelter, working at the centre from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at the shelter from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. so he could afford his rent.

"It was something else," he said. "I'd work closely with a lot of the homeless people, trying to keep them out of the cold, keep them active.

"I got to know a lot of people and I liked it."

Now 44, Qiatsuq is the acting economic development officer (EDO) for his community and former director for economic development officers in Nunavut.

In the past, he has taught young Nunavummiut how to start and run their own businesses through programming offered through the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce. He has also acted as an interpreter and translator for the hamlet for many years.

In his role as acting EDO, he has helped nearly 80 Cape Dorset artists and craftspeople within the last few months access the funding they need to take their enterprise to the next level.

The small tools and sewing machine grants, offered by the BRCC and the Kakivak Association, have helped grow the significant talent and business potential of many of Cape Dorset's artists, said Qiatsuq.

"It helps economically for carvers who carve quite a bit," he said. "These tools that are approved, once they start making their pieces or their artwork, the money comes back sometimes five- to seven-fold."

Qiatsuq is also proud of the new Cape Dorset art guide, which features biographies on almost every artist in the community.

"This is the most complete, most comprehensive book yet, and it's a beautiful book," he said. "This is a necessity for galleries or art collectors because most of the artists are here - all the artists who do prints, carvings or other kind of work."