Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Fennell, 52, remains a loyal territorial civil servant with the Nunavut Housing Corporation. So loyal that Nunavut Human Resources Minister Kelvin Ng recognized Fennell's 30 years of employment last month.
Fennell's reward? A gold-plated watch? An engraved pen and pencil set?
"No, no. A pin and certificate," he said good naturedly. "It feels good to hit that 30 mark. One of life's milestones."
Fennel was one of 190 people recognized for 15 or 30 years service with the government last month. Only two people received the 30 year handshake -- Fennel, who works for the Public Works Department and Maggie Gordon, with the Education Department in Iqaluit.
Fennell's career began in 1971 with purchasing text books and car parts for the government of the Northwest Territories in Fort Smith.
Three years later, he moved his young family to Cambridge Bay. There, Fennel started what is now the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
"I've seen the introduction of public housing with running water and flush toilets. There have been big improvements."
More recent developments include homeowner assistance programs and grants.
Improving access to housing is why he stays.
"There can be a lot of satisfaction with this job. Frustration too but we try to keep moving forward."
Fennell said more Northerners should be hired for government jobs. He'd also like to see more Inuit training programs -- like the Akitsiraq Law school but for all professions.
"Why just laywers? We need engineers and opportunities to broaden peoples' ranges of skills," he said.
During his career, Fennell and his family moved as far west as Inuvik. Arviat, headquarters for NHC, has been home since 1999 when Nunauvt became a territory.
His advice to youth is "stay in school, maximize your education and specialize in an area."
Retirement has yet to make his to-do list. "I enjoy my work and helping people get better housing."
