Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Monday, June 4, 2007

RESOLUTE - Knowing where to find funding is a major part of Philip Manik Sr.'s job.

As Resolute's community economic development officer, Manik Sr. assists people with business aspirations and he helps organizations line up money for their projects.

Since starting in November 2001, he has helped a couple of outfitters and a small contractor launch ventures, for example.

"I wanted to help Inuit small businesspeople who wanted to start up and couldn't find a way to do it, the resources or the funding. That got me interested," he said.

He said it took him a few years to figure out where to access pots of money through various government agencies and programs. Those dollars are also vital to Resolute's elders group, youth group and school, who have also turned to Manik Sr. for direction.

Another common task he performs is helping clients write proposals. There is plenty of paperwork involved in his day to day life, he admitted.

"Thank God for computers, it makes it easier," he said with a laugh.

Although he generally waits for clients to come to him, he said when he sees a local opportunity he occasionally makes suggestions to community members that there is money available if they want to pursue it.

He said Resolute has considerable tourism potential as it is situated in the Northwest Passage, which many scientists predict will become more accessible if climate change trends continue.

Prior to becoming economic development officer, Manik Sr. had been a maintenance worker at the health centre and a fuel truck driver, amongst other things.

"I've done just about everything," he said, chuckling.

In his spare time, he loves to go hunting and fishing. An accident last year has slowed him down, limiting his mobility but he still makes an effort to get out on the land whenever he can, he said.