Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 07/02) - Tina Totalik is one of many young Nunavummiut who cannot find a home of her own.

Tina Totalik is hoping to find a home of her own in Taloyoak, but her efforts have so far been unsuccessful. - Tara Kearsey/NNSL photo

At 22 years old, Totalik lives in a two-bedroom home with her parents, brother and sister, common-law husband, one-year old son, and her five-year old son who was adopted by her parents when she was just 17.

It wasn't hard for her to hand over her eldest son to her parents, since he was always right there with her. What is frustrating for her is being unable to find a house of her own.

Tina, a stay-at-home mom, has lived in Taloyoak all her life and doesn't have any desire to leave. But her parent's house is just not big enough for all eight of them.

"I've been trying for two to three years but they (Nunavut Housing Corporation) can't pick me to get a house ... It's really crowded here and my brother and sister stay in the living room."

For now Tina and her common-law husband will continue to look for a home of their own and she will concentrate on being the best mom that she can be.

"I just love everything about my son. He's smart and he keeps me company when I'm lonely," she said.