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IQALUIT - Another graduate of the Akitsiraq Law School was called to the bar last week. Henry Coman accepted the call in front of a crowd of family, friends, classmates and colleagues on May 1 at the Iqaluit Court of Justice.

"It feels fantastic," Coman said. "It's been a long time coming and I'm finally glad that it's here. I feel wonderful."

Henry Coman reads his oath as a barrister and solicitor at the Iqaluit Court of Justice on May 1. - Kassina Ryder/NNSL photo

Coman is one of 11 Inuit who graduated from the program in 2005. He was born in Pangnirtung but attended primary and secondary school in Iqaluit.

The ceremony began with the lighting of a qulliq and included a speech from Coman's former professor John Solski, who described Coman as "the lone wolf." Coman was the only male in the class.

Coman's wife Alison and his daughters Cassandra and Victoria were present at the ceremony.

Justice Beverly Browne presided over the event and stressed the importance of family support when pursuing an education. "This lawyer law school project is truly a family project," Browne said.

"There have been many sacrifices over the years made by a family when a husband and father decides to go back to school -- homework assignments, lots and lots of reading, lots of late nights."

Classmate Susan Enuaraq said she is proud of Coman, but said the day was bittersweet because Coman's parents and grandparents died before Coman was called to the bar.

"We went through law school, many of us with our children with our spouses," Enuaraq said. "I think that it's a very important day for Henry and his family."

"Unfortunately his mother and father have both passed away as well as his grandparents so they could not be here," she said.

"Today is a happy day for Henry; it's also going to be a very emotional day for him."

Coman said his next step will be continuing to work with RCMP V Division.

He finished his acceptance speech by detailing the importance of education to Nunavummiut.

"I would encourage the young people of today to stay in school and get as much out of education so you're better prepared for the future, and also for those that are young at heart who are thinking of going back to school to pursue their dreams of higher education," Coman said.

"You're never too old to go back to school."