Aklavik (Nov 13/06) - Arthur MacLeod is a pretty active guy.

He owns a boat, walks his dog and occasionally ventures onto the Peel River to cast his own fishing net.

When he's done, he pulls up the net, anchors his boat and returns home to the Joe Greenland centre for elders.

After all, he is 87-years-old.

"I'll have a boat as long as I'm alive," he said.

When asked about life at the Joe Greenland centre, MacLeod said it doesn't limit his freedom.

He said he's allowed to clean fish in his bachelor-style apartment, and still takes care of his dog Seven, who lives outside.

"I like it here fine," he said with his usual energy.

"You get your own room and you do what you like."

As a former hunter, fisherman and logger who cut cords for the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1930s, MacLeod said he feels good when he's alone and outdoors.

But people at Joe Greenland are always happy to see him when he comes back.

"Everybody likes Arthur. He's a nice guy," said Kristin Gordon, a relief worker at the centre.

As for MacLeod, he said he'll keep fishing on the Peel River, because it's a tradition he enjoys.

"I like the fresh air," he said.