New business to spur economy
Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services
Sanikiluaq (Dec 18/00) - If at first you don't succeed...reorganize, restructure and redesign. That's the Bill Fraser way of looking at things.
The co-owner and operator of Qikiqtait Tour & Outfitting Co. wasn't willing to wait for rich tourists flock to the Belcher Islands for adventure holidays.
"Even though it was a fabulous product, we just didn't have a lot of takers. Now, we've redesigned a little bit and we're targeting every working stiff in Nunavut," said Fraser.
He and his partner Dora have set up what are essentially Nunavut 101 workshops.
"Our goal is to give people new to Nunavut or new to the workplace in Nunavut a good grounding as to what to expect in their new job and new community," said Fraser.
Research has shown that when newcomers get the chance to whet their appetites with a bit of new culture prior to being immersed in it, their chances of success and social survival is much higher.
"They can avoid some of the culture shock or some of the common problems encountered by new people in the predominantly Inuit communities," he said.
Tuition for a five-day session is $840, not including transportation or accommodation. Fraser said most participants come from workplaces with money to cover food and travel.
Nunavut 101
After landing in Nunavut's most southerly hamlet, participants are taught basic Inuktitut skills. They are introduced to the politics and economics of the territory and techniques Inuit used to survive on the land.
"If this was to become mandatory for the Government of Nunavut or any employer in Nunavut, we'd be looking at at least two full-time employees and several sporadic, part-time jobs," said Fraser.
Sanikiluaq Mayor Annie Amitook supports Qikiqtait's efforts to bring economic development to the hamlet.
"It seems like a good idea," said Amitook. "He says he could create jobs for the community. That could be really helpful. If it works, that's nice and if it doesn't, well, at least we tried."
Nuiyak school teacher Jane Stewart has signed up for the course. A resident of the hamlet for more than two years, she said it's important to recognize Fraser's efforts and is looking forward to learning more about her community.
"It gives me the opportunity to spend a full week in intense cultural awareness and I'll get exposed to some new ideas."
