Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Panniqtuuq (Nov 04/02) - Panniqtuuq resident Lena Metuq says it's an honour to be chosen deputy commissioner of Nunavut.

She was sworn in last week in the community before family, friends, and well-wishers.

Lena Metuq of Panniqtuuq was sworn in last week as Nunavut's deputy commissioner. - Christine Kay/NNSL photo

"I was really honoured I was able to be selected for this role. I am very privileged I am able to serve for our government," said Metuq.

Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell called Metuq and asked her permission to include her name as a candidate for the position of Deputy Commissioner last summer. Metuq agreed and sent along her resume. Shortly afterwards, she was appointed. Her resume highlights many years spent as an educator at Alookie school in Panniqtuuq, including the last eight as principal.

"I like working with kids. We need to be teachers. We need to be role models to make a difference," she said.

For Metuq, this is especially important when it comes to being a role model who helps keep Inuit culture alive.

One of the biggest challenges she faces at school is getting resources in Inuktitut. This is a barrier but Metuq and her staff are working to alleviate it.

"We make a lot of our own stuff and we try to get as much information related to Inuit culture as we can. We involve the elders by getting them to help us with traditional knowledge," said Metuq.

She continues to preserve her culture and language while fulfilling her roles as principal and deputy commissioner.

Her responsibilities in her new job include filling in for Commissioner Peter Irniq when he is unable to fulfil his duties. That means Metuq will be called on to present bravery awards, talk to schools and sign government documents as they come into law.

"If I am to travel to different communities to do special presentations, I will be encouraging youth and communities in being positive and being good citizens," said Metuq.

She said she will encourage youth in her school and during her travels to go for their dreams while being a role model.

Metuq said that's how she got where she is today.

"My family encouraged me and supported us to take risks. They told us to go after what we feel we can do," she said.