Maria Canton
Northern News Services

PANGNIRTUNG (Aug 02/99) - Running a tourism business in Pangnirtung isn't the easiest thing to do, but over the past 18 years, Joavee Alivaktuk has created a very successful outfitting service.

"It can be frustrating at times, convincing people that life exists in Nunavut," says Alivaktuk.

"But the majority of my clients are recommended by previous clients and I'm happy if I can convince just one person to come. Nunavut will sell itself once they're here."

Alivaktuk Outfitting Services has been getting southern exposure every year for the past six years when Alivaktuk travels to the Sportsman Show in Toronto, Ont.

"Outfitters all share similar problems in the North with high airfares and accommodation costs," he said.

"And many tourists take conveniences for granted and find the alternatives to be primitive, but I take all the stress and worries off their shoulders so they can enjoy the beauty and excitement of an Arctic adventure."

Since 1981, Alivaktuk has had an arctic char fishing camp in Toongait, a two-and-a-half-hour boat ride from Pangnirtung, that has four cabins and a mess hall. In 1991, he closed the camp for a year to allow the fish stocks to replenish.

"There had been heavy fishing in the area for many years and I feel that an important part of tourism is the preservation of natural resources," he said.

Visitors from all over the world, including Japan, Europe and the U.S., travel to Pangnirtung to experience the area's beauty in Auyuittuq National Park Reserve and Kekerten Historic Park -- a whaling site from the late 1800s that offers the opportunity to whale watch for beluga, narwhal and massive bowhead.

"I enjoy very much taking people out and showing them my land," said Alivaktuk.

Pangnirtung is 400 kilometres northeast of Iqaluit on Baffin Island. Tucked in between the two national parks, Pangnirtung has a population of 1,250 people.