Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Aug 20/01) - Once a year, Joe Enook goes home to Mittimatalik/Pond Inlet to live a more traditional, relaxing way of life.

"I try and do some Eskimo living for a couple of weeks every year," said Enook.

Joe Enook, the vice-president of the Nunasi Corp. in Nunavut, fields a call on his cell phone aboard the MV Anna Desgagnes last month. - Kerry McCluskey/NNSL photo

"I go home, leave my cell phone behind and eat, sleep and hunt whenever I feel like it," he said.

For the remaining 50 weeks of the year, Enook holds down an 8:30 to 5 p.m. gig as the vice-president of the Nunasi Corporation in Nunavut.

He said he loves the job and being part of the company's new presence in Nunavut.

"Nunasi has been established for a long time. It's nice to have the opportunity to be part of the office here and to work with the other development corporations," he said.

Enook first left Pond Inlet for Iqaluit in 1994. He worked as Jose Kusugak's executive assistant at Nunavut Tunngavik and joined the Nunasi team earlier this year.

While he misses home and the scenery that goes with it, he said he appreciates the chance to hold down such excellent jobs.

"There comes a point when you have to decide what you want to do. Sometimes you have to leave home to acquire a job or education," he explained.

"I'm honoured to be given that choice."