John Curran
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 7, 2008
HOLMAN - When you talk to Northern youth about who it is they look up to and try to emulate, names like Jordin Tootoo, Aaron "Godson" Hernandez, Tanya Tagaq Gillis, Susan Aglukark and Leela Gilday often get shouted the loudest.
Anita Oliktoak, 24, is on the Ulukhaktok Community Corp. board of directors and also works part-time with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation co-ordinating family time activities. - John Curran/NNSL photo |
It's not likely you'll hear Anita Oliktoak, 24, mentioned among that group anytime soon - though she's probably doing more on a daily basis to set a good example in her community than any athlete or singing sensation ever will.
She became a single mother not too long ago and has gotten involved with several groups around town including the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and is on the board of the Ulukhaktok Community Corp.
News/North sat down with her recently to find out what her life is like on Victoria Island and to hear what she thinks is important.
News/North (N/N): How do you like working for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation?
Anita Oliktoak (A.O.): It's great. It's part-time for about three hours a day, three days a week. We've got space in the community hall where people can shoot pool, do puzzles or play other games. I also organize family time activities in the gym every couple of weeks. We play games like dodgeball and soccer-baseball. We'll usually get about 30 kids out to the gym as well as many adults.
N/N: It must take a lot of work organizing activities like that, how do you feel about that?
A.O.: I don't mind the work at all. Usually we end up having to spend an additional hour cleaning up afterwards, too. It doesn't bother me - I enjoy it.
N/N: When you're not working, how do you occupy yourself?
A.O.: Most of my time goes to taking care of my 20-month-old daughter, Macayla. I spend a lot of time reading with her. Her first book that she's really crazy for is My Puppy Playtime. She likes it a lot; it has many colourful pictures that she really enjoys. There are already times when I see her starting to read the words. I'm so proud of my little girl.
N/N: Other than reading, what fun things do you do with Macayla?
A.O.: We really enjoy playing together outside even with winter here - that and spending time with family. My sister and mother are living with us now. It's great that Macayla is getting to know her grandmother. My little girl hadn't seen her since she was one month old, but now she's getting to spend time with her every day after she moved back to Ulukhaktok from Edmonton.
N/N: I've heard people in Ulukhaktok often live very traditional lives. What parts of traditional life do you enjoy most?
A.O.: My little girl is already learning to drum dance and I'm very happy about that. Her dad is teaching her and she's already doing so well at it. My favourite activity though is going camping in the spring and summer at Uyagaktok Lake. It's the biggest lake close to town. Many people go there because it's great fishing. Sometimes you catch a fish on every other cast. It has trout and char - I like the char best.
N/N: Why do prefer the Arctic char?
A.O: It tastes so good when you cook it up right there on the shore. After you clean one, you lay one side of the meat on a big piece of foil. Then, if you're lucky and it's the right time of year, you spread some of the fish's eggs on the meat. Put the other side of the fish on top and wrap the whole thing up in the foil to cook it over an open fire. Even if it gets a little burnt, it's still the best tasting meal. It has a very rich flavour. I'm getting hungry just talking about it.
N/N: I guess since you had daughter it means less time out on the land. How long will it be until she can go out on trips to Uyagaktok Lake?
A.O: Taking care of my little girl keeps me busy, but she already enjoys camping, too. Her first time going was last spring. She had a hard time moving over the rocks but she had a lot of fun. I'm so glad that she likes it. We'll be able to do even more of it together as she gets older.
N/N: People come and go in Northern communities, have you ever thought of moving further south?
A.O: I'm very happy in Ulukhaktok and don't plan on moving anytime soon.
Maybe some day, but for now I really want my little girl to grow up there so she knows all about where she comes from.
N/N: It must be hard supporting Macayla on just a part-time salary, do you plan to do that forever?
A.O: No. I'm taking a small business course through the Aurora College Community Learning Centre. I really want to learn about computers and then eventually start my own business. I'm still not sure what type of business to start though.
N/N: If you aren't sure what king of business to start, how do you know you want to become an entrepreneur at all?
A.O: I want to be able to give my little girl a good start in life. Everything I do is for her because she makes me so happy. Every day I'm trying to do my best and it's all for her.
