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Inuvialuit jobs at Calgary Zoo

Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 21/05) - A new Arctic exhibit at the Calgary Zoo could provide jobs for Inuvialuit.

The zoo is in the planning phase of a $125 million project and has turned to the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation for advice. The Arctic Shores exhibit will feature wildlife from the Mackenzie Delta and surrounding areas.



Nellie Cournoyea is the head of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, and looks forward to working with the Calgary Zoo to ensure proper representation of the Inuvialuit people and their culture. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo


Caribou and muskox are already part of the zoo's collection, but other animals could be added during a planned remodeling of the 7.5 acre area.

Among the animals being considered for display are polar bears.

IRC chair Nellie Cournoyea says the zoo is researching ways to house the animals.

She hopes the co-operative effort between the zoo and IRC will include employment opportunities for Inuvialuit.

Brian Duclos, director of development for the Calgary Zoo, said hiring Inuvialuit interpreters would be very important to their cause.

"Who better to tell about the North, than people from the North?"

Duclos said the project has mutual benefits for both the Zoo and the Inuvialuit.

"There couldn't be an Arctic project without Inuvialuit participation," said Duclos. "There is a spiritual linkage between the people and animals of the North, and we want to portray that relationship," he said.

Duclos also said that the zoo is searching for any animals that live in the North, and that all are possibilities for the exhibit.

"Name any species in the North, and you'd be right," said Duclos.

"We're looking at them all."

It's hoped the Arctic Shores exhibit will be open in time for the 2008 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.