Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 12/01) - At 27, Gary Philip is on top of the world.

Recently hired as a Canadian North flight attendant, Philip has overcome bad times to get to the good. Days before his career officially took off, Philip talked about goals, guitars and a mischievous youth.

Ready for takeoff, Gary Philip has the last laugh when it comes to changing careers. - Kirsten Murphy/NNSL photo

New suit, new look, new job. Life is good.

I can't stop smiling. Not since my boys were born four and five years ago have I've been this happy. I miss my boys. They live with their mom outside Quebec City. I'll see them more, though, with this job.

This job?

Flight attendant. I just finished my training Oct. 21 in Calgary. Three of us are the first Inuit to be flight attendants for Canadian North. I'm very proud.

Why?

Canadian North wants a real Northern image. With more people speaking English and Inuktitut they can provide better customer service.

Your training began after the Sept. 11 hijackings into the World Trade Centre towers. Did you consider dropping out?

Not me. I know a couple people did. I absolutely love flying and travelling.

Did you fly much as a kid?

My dad (Cpl. Lou Philip) was in the RCMP so he'd get transferred to different communities. We'd fly on the RCMP Twin Otter which took a zillion years from Nanisivik to here.

Is Nanisivik home?

I was born in Arctic Bay, moved to Iqaluit, Nanisivik, Pond Inlet, back to Iqaluit, Iglulik. I did my Grade 12 in Iglulik.

If you stuck around you might have been in Atanarjuat.

Maybe, but I wasn't going to stick around that long.

What have you done since graduation?

CBC radio host, Nanisivik mines, Nunavut Construction, shrimp fisherman, security with young offenders, telephone operator, student, had a few kids. When I lived in Quebec I carved. That's how I brought in my money for the family. I'd get my father to send soap stone and ivory.

And more recently?

Security for the hospital, sales representative at Radio Shack and Nunanet.

Are you a person who tries many thing or are do you have a hard time?

I've been looking for something I really like doing. I have a very positive feeling about being a flight attendant.

And you're a people person?

Very much (laughs). I'm outgoing, can get along with just about anybody and can adapt to any environment.

Will you lose the earring?

I'll take it out of respect for the company, to have a clean image. Otherwise, I'll keep it in.

You must have lots of friends in Iqaluit.

I do and I didn't realize how many until I came back from training. If it wasn't for the support of my friends and family I wouldn't have gone through with this course. My family are my best friends. If I need anything or need help figuring things out, I'll go to them.

So when Adamee calls you skirt (slang for a male flight attendant) it's in fun?

From him almost anything is a compliment.

How many in your family?

My mom, Sarah Philip, my dad, one sister in the RCMP training in Regina and three younger brothers.

Who is one person no longer here you'd like to see you doing so well?

My grandmother Issuqangittuq in Arctic Bay, I think she'd be very proud of me. We were close when I was growing up. Unfortunately she passed away a number of years ago.

How has your outlook toward life changed?

Before, I felt stuck here and it was starting to drag me down. Now I feel so much better about myself. I have a new look, I cut my hair, wearing a suit and tie, shaved my moustache, dropped my glasses for contacts. I feel so much better about myself and I project it to everybody else.

Do you see yourself as a role model?

My mom said, because I am the first Inuk male in this position (with Canadian North) I will be seen as a role model. And before the training I didn't really want to be. Now, having gone through this course, if I can do it anyone can.

You're going to be making some good money now. What will be your first extravagant purchase?

Once I have money put away, a car. Just a car with four wheels that gets me from point A to point B.

Ten years from now?

A Porsche.

What's a mischievous thing you did as a child?

One time in Pond Inlet, my brother and I and a couple friends decided to build sling-shots in the RCMP garage. It was the middle of the summer, no school, 24-hour sunlight. We broke half of the tools and tracked paint all over the floor. I was hoping we wouldn't get caught but we left our footprints all over.

And it was traced back to you?

My father looked at the bottom of my shoes and knew (laughs). I can tell you I did not do it again.

Favourite food?

Polar bear. It's the best meat in the world. Boiled.

One thing you're particular about?

Music. I've been playing guitar for 11 years. If it wasn't for my guitar, I would have fallen into a lot of trouble as a kid. It's still what I'd like to do. If I could make a living playing guitar I would. I love music.

Any allergies?

Dogs. I get itchy eyes and sneeze. I think I'm the only Eskimo allergic to dogs.

Earliest or most memorable childhood memory?

GP: When we first moved to Nanisivik, I thought I'd found gold. I brought a big rock home to my mom and told her we were rich. She set me straight and told me it was fool's gold.

Favourite bands?

Metallica, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pink Floyd.

You'll be based in Edmonton and flying around the North. It won't leave you much time for hunting?

I love hunting. I'll come up here on my days off. In January I'm coming back to polar bear hunt, which I haven't done since I was 12.

Shot my first polar bear at 12.

What do you think of Nunavut's low graduation rates?

It's too bad. Especially when Nunavut is so new. It's hard to see all these kids dropping out because they just don't have the drive. What they need is someone they can look up to.

How can adults help youth?

Every person in a position of helping, whether it's their own children or not, should take some sort of initiative. Children are our future.

Your family must be proud of you.

They are. Especially my mother. I'm living her dream. She's always wanted to be a flight attendant.

Who are your role models?

My father, who is retiring from the RCMP in 16 months after 25 years. He didn't grow up when there were houses available and work available. He grew up on the land, fending for himself and his family, learning the traditional ways of living and surviving. Anything negative he overcame. What better person to have as a role model?

Have you thought about becoming a pilot?

Very much. It would be great to fly this huge metal tube that weighs 20,000 tonnes. I'm amazed by flight.

Anything you'd like to add about being Nunavummiut?

You have to love it. The territory is so new. Sure, some quirks need working out. Once they get on the ball, things will run smoothly.

Ever consider stepping into the political arena?

GP: Never. Leave that to the people who want it.