Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (June 03/02) - An Inuk will head the Arctic Diocese of the Anglican Church for the first time in history. Andrew Atagotaaluk was elected as the new diocesan bishop during an Anglican synod held in Rankin Inlet last week.

Delegates from 54 communities making up the Arctic Diocese attended the synod.

The diocese includes Nunavut, the NWT and the Nunavik region of Quebec.

During his career, Atagotaaluk worked in Panniqtuuq, Iqaluit, Gjoa Haven and Spence Bay. He spent the past two decades in Nunavik and is currently the regional bishop in Salluit.

"For the past number of years, Inuit have been very active in politics and self-determination," says Atagotaaluk.

"Inuit are making decisions and showing they can be responsible for things they may not have been in the past. My election seems to be going along with the same level of responsibility within the church as we're seeing in other areas."

Atagotaaluk was elected on the fifth ballot. He will assume his position during a ceremony to replace Chris Williams this coming September.

Williams, a longtime priest in Baker Lake, has led the diocese for more than 10 years.

Atagotaaluk says he would like to see more of a focus being placed on the overall community, rather than different denominations.

He says in most communities Anglican, Roman Catholic and Pentecostal leaders are basically, ministering to the same people.

"There are still some wounds left lingering from the past when the different denominations emphasized or focused solely on their own congregations. With that approach, you're not reaching the people in the community."