KUGLUKTUK/COPPERMINE - Failing health is not stopping Millie Kuliktana from wanting to raise money so others in Kugluktuk can have food on the table and gifts under the tree at Christmas.

Millie Kuliktana, 46, has been diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension and will travel to Edmonton in January for treatment and monitoring. Despite her weakened condition, she is continuing her lifelong habit of volunteering in the community. - photo courtesy of Wynter Kuliktana

Kuliktana, 46, who is on constant oxygen and fighting pulmonary arterial hypertension, said she looks forward to raising money for the Christmas fund, the last community fundraiser she will help with before going to Edmonton for treatment in the new year.

"My most favourite, heartfelt initiative we've done was creating the Christmas community fund, where we host five hours of fundraising and the profits go to gifts for children 12 and under and food hampers for community member," she said.

At one point or another in her life, Kuliktana has been the vice-president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, an elementary school principal in Iglulik and the executive director of Kitikmeot School Operations. She has worked as a classroom assistant and teacher, received a master of education leadership degree last year and opened her home on occasion to people needing shelter. She also has organized Nattiq Frolics and assumed the presidency of the Tahiuqtiit Society, a non-profit organization that sponsors local training.

Kuliktana said she would like to be remembered for her dedication to creating healthy communities "with education, language, culture, strong spiritual minds and positive outlooks on life through good education opportunities," she said.

"That's what allowed me to give a lot of my time to volunteer to make things happen in the community."

Volunteering for non-profit organizations to help others and creating the Tahiuqtiit Society are the most enjoyable things she's done, said Kuliktana.

"It just made people have a more positive outlook on life, allowing them to see the things that are accomplishable if they try, if they gave it effort," she said.

Nunavut deputy premier Peter Taptuna spoke highly of Kuliktana at the legislative assembly, saying she is a "great community leader" who played a "vital part" of the community. He added she will go on long-term disability leave.

"It will be a great loss to education and to Nunavummiut and, of course, Kugluktuk," he said.

"I really miss working," said Kuliktana.

She said she must remain positive. Her son got married earlier this month and the Christmas holidays are coming up. But in January, she will head to Edmonton at the request of her doctors for ongoing treatment and monitoring.

"Negativity and depression will make me sicker faster. Power and prayer is what I believe in," he said. "I strongly believe that's what keeping me stable at present, at least to make it through to help me prepare for my move because that will be a big change for us."

Kuliktana encourages others to volunteer, and give their time so other may have a better outlook on life.

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