Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (July 30/01) - You could say that David Ell was born into a life of wildlife.

The son of the late Ben Ell -- known across Nunavut for his hunting and survival skills -- David is following closely in his father's footsteps. He says the skills and knowledge he learned from his father set in motion the life he's embarked upon.

Iqaluit's David Ell took over as the chair of the Amarok Hunters and Trappers Association. - Kerry McCluskey/NNSL photo

"He taught me to respect the animals and never waste any food," says Ell. "And to always share your catch."

And, like his father, Ell is not afraid to get involved. He's spent the last few years holding different positions in Iqaluit's Amarok Hunters and Trappers Association and most recently, assumed the chair of the group. He says the appointment was the gives him the opportunity to accomplish other tasks.

"I want to get some different projects going. I want to build more cabins and shelters. We need them with the weather changing all the time and the snow isn't too good for iglu building," explains Ell.

He also wants to clean up nearby outpost camps and get the ball rolling on the assignment of Inuit harvesting rights.

Even more exciting, Ell hopes to convince the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board that Iqaluit hunters could manage a bowhead whale hunt.

In accordance with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, beneficiaries are entitled to harvest a bowhead whale every two years.

The next hunt could take place in 2002 and Ell wants Iqaluit to be considered for the honour of host community.