GAMETI/RAE LAKES - Nobody living in Gameti can say they drive more in a day than Dennis Arrowmaker.

Arrowmaker, an equipment operator with the Tlicho Government, spends most of his time running the water truck in this community of about 300 on the shores of Rae Lake.

Dennis Arrowmaker has been earning a living as an equipment operator around Gameti for six years now and said he can't imagine doing anything else. - John Curran/NNSL photo

"I really like driving for a living," he said. "It's good work and the pay is pretty good, too."

Having done the job now for six years, this lifelong resident has no plans to stop anytime soon.

"I'm 36 and I was born here," he said. "There aren't many jobs right here in town, so why would I ever want to give this up? It's too good."

Besides, Arrowmaker recently got a new partner on his water route.

Towards the end of April, Ricky Wedawin joined the team as the water helper.

"When we pull up to a house, it's my job to get out and hook up the hose," said the 19-year-old. "It seems like all right work so far."

Much like his supervisor, Wedawin thinks the location is one of the best parts of the job.

"It lets me live here at home in Gameti," he said, smiling from ear to ear. "I really like it here."

There may be a nationwide labour shortage, but even big bucks and the warmer temperatures of the south can't lure these two out of the Tlicho.

"I couldn't leave my community," said Arrowmaker. "Where would I go and find a better place to live?"

When he's not working, he likes to spend as much time out on the land as he can.

"I like fishing and hunting for ducks, moose and caribou," he said. "The hunting is very good around Gameti."

Having recently returned from a trip out on the land to Hottah Lake, Arrowmaker said he is always sure to remember he is part of a larger community.

"I got two caribou on that trip," he said. "When I got back I shared some of the meat with elders here who can't go hunting on their own like they used to."