Rankin Inlet (Aug 30/06) - Representatives from Hunter and Trapper Organizations from across Nunavut were in Rankin Inlet earlier this month for a manager's training initiative.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.'s Bert Dean said the wildlife secretariat has been trying to amalgamate and improve support for the HTOs since its creation this past year.

He said the program was a major training initiative for HTO personnel, and the beginning of a solid support network.

"About 50 per cent of the program focused on financial training, Simply Accounting and computerized accounting," said Dean.

"There was a wide gap between the people who could operate fairly well and those needing fundamental training in accounting.

"It's hard to teach a computer application in accounting to someone who lacks fundamental training."

Elisiusi Alakanuark became the secretary-manager of the Arviq HTO in Repulse Bay this past February.

He found the initiative to be both informative and educational, especially the modules on the Wildlife Act and Simply Accounting.

"I decided to get involved with the organization because I wanted to help the HTO become more stable and help the community with its harvesting," said Alakanuark.

"The HTO plays a big role in Repulse now and is really active in the community.

"The Simply Accounting training will help me with my duties in Repulse, as will what I learned about proposal writing because that's also quite important."

Simon Qinganqtuq started his new position as the HTO manager in Taloyoak about three months ago, bringing 25 years of business experience at the Arctic Co-op, First Air, Housing Authority, and Public Works and Services with him.

Qinganqtuq wants to use his experience to help support the community through his work with the HTO.

He also cares deeply about wildlife issues and wanted to be more involved in the management process.

"I'd like to see our HTO improve for the benefit of the community and to help ensure our wildlife is properly managed," said Qinganqtuq.

"Our beluga, char and caribou harvests help support the community and the HTO works to make sure each one is properly conducted and the catch evenly distributed.

"Everyone who requests meat or fish from a harvest receives it.

"Nobody goes without."