Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (July 16/01) - Pat Angnakak will always remember her oldest child's first day of school. It was also the day the mother of three decided to hit the books the second time around.

"We started school the same day," laughed Ang-nakak, from her home in Iqaluit.

Her daughter, Sharon, went to kindergarten and Angnakak headed off to Grade 10.

Pat Angnakak was appointed deputy commissioner of Nunavut earlier this year. She also hopes to be an ambassador one day. - Kerry McCluskey/NNSL photo

Almost two decades later, the decision and the effort to finish her education has paid off. Angnakak was recently recommended by Premier Paul Okalik to hold down the position of deputy commissioner.

Raised in Nunavut from birth, Angnakak said the event -- made official in May of this year -- left her feeling completely amazed.

"I was shocked, absolutely shocked," said Angnakak. "Me? I was in awe and I couldn't believe that someone would recommend me for that. I was so thankful to him," she said.

Angnakak noted that she's already been called on once to function in her official role -- a task she got through easily enough.

Her fluency in Inuktitut also made her brief stint as executive assistant to outgoing Nunavut Tunngavik president Paul Quassa easier.

She left the land claims organization after Quassa resigned last month and said she wants to take the summer off to enjoy camping with her family.

As for her future plans, Angnakak said she'd like to work as a Canadian ambassador, perhaps in a European country.

"Nowhere too hot or with too many big bugs," she said. "That would be nice. That's my dream."