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For the community

Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Friday, February 16, 2007

INUVIK - Gerry Kisoun has worn many hats in Inuvik and now he's looking for one more.

Kisoun recently put in a request for a letter of support from the town council, as part of his application for the position of justice of the peace.

NNSL Photo/graphic

Gerry Kisoun has been working in Inuvik for many years, serving as an RCMP officer, parks officer and coroner. He is now applying to be a justice of the peace, to help his community. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"Being a part of the JP program is something that might be needed in the community," said Kisoun.

He has experience working with legal procedures and in courtrooms. He served Inuvik as an RCMP constable from 1971-1974 and again from 1988-1996.

"Through the RCMP, I worked closely with the courts and the former JP," said Kisoun.

he was born in the delta, on the land. He was raised in Inuvik and went to school here.

After retiring from the RCMP in 1996, Kisoun was approached to be a coroner, posted in Inuvik.

"I have been a coroner for the past 10 years and still going," said Kisoun.

"I assist the chief coroner of the territories with sudden death incidents."

Kisoun said a lot of his work has stemmed from his service with the police.

Currently, he is a community liaison for Parks Canada.

"I travel to nearby communities for information sessions and meetings," he said.

Director of court services for the NWT Colin Gordon, said the process for applying for the JP program starts with letters of support.

"The person can pick up an application; they are put through a criminal record check," said Gordon.

"They can also have letters of support from different organizations in the community for support in their application."

The chief judge of the Territorial court is the final person to approve the application.

He brings the application to the commissioner, who approves the person.

Kisoun said his time and efforts have been well-spent in Inuvik.

"It's all about helping out in the community," he said.