Iqaluit (Jan 01/07) - Throughout the territory, different people have different goals for the New Year. From deep water ports to professional football, the wish list for 2007 is as diverse as Nunavummiut are.

Harry Alookie, manager of the Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Association in Qikiqtarjuaq said his community needs infrastructure for its fledgling turbot fishery.

Ben Mikjuk is ready to ring in 2007 with a bang. This nine-year-old doesn't just want to stay awake until midnight on New Year's Eve, he wants to stay up all night. That is a modest goal for the New Year, but other Nunavummiut have heavier matters on their minds. - Kent Driscoll/NNSL photo

"A port in the community would definitely benefit our community as well as other communities within Baffin, especially in terms of fishing," he said.

In Kimmirut, the requests are a little more personal. Hamlet receptionist Olucie Tikivik wants to see "more get togethers, for friends and family," while recreation director Noah Qaqqasiq wants his new digital camera to arrive, so he can start sending photos to Nunavut News/North.

Hal Timar, executive director of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce, has a couple of items on his wish list.

Timar hopes the new Nunavut Chamber of Commerce comes together. He'd also like to see the return of commercial air links between Iqaluit and Greenland and between Nunavut and Labrador. The BRCC will be leading a trade mission to Greenland in March.

"Times have changed since (flights there) ended," he said.

Iqaluit's deputy mayor Al Hayward said he'd like to see the city host a "Tundra Bowl" game between the National Football League's Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.

But Hayward also hopes for things that are realistic. He thinks the city needs to take advantage of its potential for economic growth.

A proposed deep-water port and increased military presence in the North are opportunities for the capital, he said.

"The city has to be ready to provide services, not only for its existing citizens, but for people who are going to be coming and doing business here," he said.

The Nunavut Qulliit Council for the Status of Women made a plea for help over the holidays.

Its members are asking that federal funding taken away from their southern counterparts is returned. While unaffected themselves, they do use the southern centres for resources, and want it returned.

Nunavut's Literacy Council is also hoping for a holiday miracle.

The organization's funding was cut by the federal government, and the council has been forced to lay off one staff member already.

Over the holidays, the group was also forced to lay off a part-time office worker.

Council president Kim Crockatt - who reduced her own salary to help save costs - has one wish for 2007.

"We are still waiting to hear if any of our proposals have been approved. I would like the federal government to understand that, by investing in social issues like literacy, they are investing in people," said Crockatt.