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TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY
After a career having fun working with children and teaching, Kublu Tucktoo was recently recognized for her contribution to Netsilik School and the community of Taloyoak, having worked some 30 years in education.

Kublu Tucktoo, 62, was a teacher at Netsilik School in Taloyoak before retiring after some 30 years in education in 2007. The Taloyoak district education authority recently recognized her contribution to the school and community, awarding her an elder's certificate. - photo courtesy of Gina Pizzo

The Taloyoak district education authority presented elder's certificates to Tucktoo, 62, and others on March 9, recognizing their valuable contribution to the school's cultural and language programs.

"I didn't expect anything like that. It was so surprising. I do few odd things here and there to help out and not for anything," said Tucktoo.

The 62-year-old retired from teaching in 2007, following more some three decades spent working in education. She started working as a classroom assistant in 1974 in Taloyoak, then worked as a language specialist, teaching Inuktitut to junior and senior high school students. She eventually completed the Nunavut Teachers Education Program, becoming a full-time teacher in 1995, after which she taught kindergarten and Grade 1. Tucktoo said she likes working with kids.

"I had fun. That's why I worked with it for a long time. It was fun," she said. "It still is fun to work with children. I enjoy being with smaller children. They're fun to be with."

Since her retirement, she goes to Netsilik School as needed, substituting or participating in cultural- and language-related activities.

Tucktoo, born in a camp outside Taloyoak, lived there until age seven or eight when her family moved to Taloyoak. She has one son, one daughter and two grandchildren as well as four bothers and six sisters.

Gina Pizzo, principal at Netsilik School, said Tucktoo also started the school museum, which has artifacts and a seal-skin tent, in the late 1970s.

"She has been a significant contribution to the school itself and the community," said Pizzo. "She has a good understanding of children and she likes to share her skills, so kids seem to be attracted to that."

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