Lake Harbour (Oct 25/04) - A year ago this week, Ejesiak Ikkidulak received the worst news imaginable: his father Iola, a renowned carver and respected community member, had drowned in a boating accident outside the community.

Ejesiak Ikkidulak, 30, is a firefighter and a carver from Kimmirut. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

The community was devastated and embraced the grieving family.

Since that time, Ejesiak has come to terms with the horrible tragedy.

Carving helps. Ejesiak has continued to carve like his father and his grandfather, Isaac Ikkidulak.

Ejesiak fondly remembers his father teaching him how to carve and smiles when talking about his father's works, featuring polar bears and other animals wearing parkas and traditional clothing.

Remembering the past, carving at his father's feet, isn't as hard as it once was.

"I don't mind talking about it," Ejesiak said, sitting in the Co-op in Kimmirut last week.

"It makes me feel lighter."

Ejesiak now works at the Soper Gallery, an art gallery of local artwork in Kimmirut.

Art will always be a big part of Ejesiak's life, but these days he is excited to report he has become a firefighter.

Since last year, Ejesiak has done something else he thinks is pretty impressive -- he quit smoking.

He says he has put on a bit of weight because of it, but cleaning up his lifestyle is worth it.

All through August of this year he took firefighter training courses in Iqaluit and is committed to being good at the job.

The City of Iqaluit was fun to visit for a few weeks, he said, but the training was tough.

Kimmirut remains his home.