Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Jan 14/02) - Travis Rusk heard about a job opening at the Royal Bank on the streets of Winnipeg.

Originally from Rankin Inlet, Rusk was in the Manitoba capital city working with Aboriginal Downtown Watch.

Travis Rusk recently celebrated his one-year anniversary as a personal banker at the Royal Bank in Iqaluit. - Kerry McCluskey/NNSL photo

"I was an ambassador," said Rusk.

"I walked around downtown Winnipeg and would offer assistance to tourists and help the homeless," he explained.

He heard the bank was hiring and jumped at the chance to work with the organization. One year and nine days later, Rusk finds himself employed as a personal banker at the branch in Iqaluit.

While he likes the work, he said it can be a bit difficult sometimes because most people are sensitive about their finances.

However, he takes great pleasure in helping unilingual Inuit with their money matters.

"It's very rewarding, especially with the clients. They really appreciate someone speaking to them (in Inuktitut)," said Rusk.

Rusk is currently the only Inuktitut-speaking person on staff at the capital branch. He said his language skills also give him a sense of job security.

"I'm called on almost 100 per cent of the time to help."