Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Nov 10/99) - One day, in the not-too-distant future, Rankin Inlet's Brian Zigurdson will be one of the most important people in Kivalliq.

That is, if you depend on the skills of the regional airports officer.

And, in one way or another, just about everyone in Kivalliq does.

Zigurdson is about to complete the Public Service Career Training program (PSCTP).

Current regional airports officer Jim Cameron says the program is a federal government initiative which trains Inuit for management positions.

"Basically, it's a three-year program where a bright, young candidate such as Brian is attached to an experienced manager," says Cameron.

"After three years, the candidate is offered a management position within the government of Nunavut."

The program started in early '96 and Zigurdson began training under Cameron's tutelage on April 2, 1997.

He says the training has been thorough, at times intense, and he's happy to have had Cameron's guidance.

"It's been very challenging, well worth the experience," says Zigurdson.

"I'm confident with the training I've received from Jim. It's not something you learn right off the bat or can just go and take a few courses.

"You learn by doing and it's important to have a good supervisor. That's true in any field."

The regional airports officer monitors community aerodrome radio stations (CARS).

These are the people who provide information to incoming planes, such as local weather and runway conditions.

Every Kivalliq community expect Rankin (still run by NAVCAN) has a CARS and training is very localized.

"People go to Fort Simpson for nine weeks of training specific to their own community," says Cameron.

"In effect, they become a proficient way of providing a lower cost, safe means of communication to airplanes and weather information."

At the completion of Zigurdson's program, Cameron will move on to become manager of transportation programs for the region.

Zigurdson will become Kivalliq's new regional airports officer.

"It's a lot of responsibility, but it's also a great opportunity," says Zigurdson.

"I'm ready for it and I'm excited about assuming the role."