Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Grise Fiord (Mar 15/04) - The Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) is hoping to create some jobs and training programs through one of their new projects.

The organization is looking at starting a muskoxen processing plant in the community. Jaypetee Akeeagok, chairperson of the group, said they are still in the planning stages but it's something that has been discussed at a few of their meetings.

"We have a good quota for muskoxen, a retired butcher and people who are interested," he said. "We feel that because we have the resources available we should look into this."

Akeeagok admits that it will probably take some time to get a plant up and running but their goal is to start out small and hopefully build in the future. Akeeagok said the project will create much needed jobs in the community.

"There aren't a lot of jobs here. If we can make our own, why not?" he said. The first step to get the plant running is working out all the administrative details.

Akeeagok said they are currently putting a plan together and will show it to the hamlet council for approval once it is finished.

HTO hopes to get some funding for the project through the hamlet's community initiatives program.

Another positive aspect to the project, Akeeagok said, is the possibility of creating a training program to educate people interested in becoming butchers. Akeeagok said HTO will know by the end of April if the project can move forward.