Resolute (Aug 11/03) - Rick Doucet knew this day was coming.

The senior administrative officer in Resolute had been hired last October specifically to come in and train a local person for the position who would ultimately replace him.

He just didn't know he'd also be on his way to Iglulik to become their SAO.

Doucet leaves Resolute on Aug. 11 in the hands of Martha Kalluk, a life-long resident of the community and former hamlet councillor.

Doucet, a former New Brunswicker who's been in the North on and off since the 1970s, has a two-year contract with Iglulik, but hopes he may be there a bit longer. If he doesn't work himself out of a job the way he did in Resolute.

"If there is someone there that can do it, my philosophy is that local people should be working in these positions. If I can help that in Iglulik I will do it," he said,

As for Kalluk, she is ready to face whatever challenges there may be.

"I'm excited and scared at the same time," said Kalluk, who also owns a seasonal big game outfitting business with her husband.

The new SAO decided to apply for the job because nobody seemed to be applying. She also admits she doesn't like "sitting around doing nothing."

Kalluk also said she believes that locals and Inuit should be trying to get these important positions in the communities.

"Some people complain that southerners are taking the jobs, but we are not applying for them. We should be applying for them instead of complaining. You have to go do it," she said.

Kalluk has been getting on-the-job training with Doucet since she was selected for the position in May.

"I'm expecting some challenges, but I'm not quite sure what they will be. The main one is communication. In the past, there's been a lack of communication between the hamlet and community so that will be one of my first priorities," she said.

Kalluk added that she won't be doing this alone either.

"I have a full staff and that will give me support," she said.

A volunteer mentor from the Canadian Executive Services Organization is already in town to help her out for a while.

Kalluk spent four years as the local housing manager, worked for the hunters and trappers association and was on the alcohol education committee.

Fixing a fractured council

The eight months Doucet spent in Resolute haven't been all easy.

The 56-year-old came in on the heels of calls for the mayor's resignation.

"There were issues within council, but those have now been put to rest. I'm pleased to say I think over eight months councillors have learned what their position is and have learned how to make decisions and implement them," Doucet said.

Doucet explained that the SAO is there to give advice to council and help them resolve issues.

"I like to think I was involved in the evolution from a fractured to a more cohesive council," he said.

And while Resolute wasn't all fun, Iglulik presents it's challenges as well.

"As far as I understand, they've been without an SAO for quite a while, so there may be some administration issues to deal with," said Doucet, who also spent a year in Cape Dorset as the director of finance and personnel.

But the former mining technician feels confident going in that it will be a good experience.

"I have to go in and under direction of council and mayor address whatever issues they have. I have to make sure financial records are in proper order and address issues that arise with employees and management," he said.