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ULUKHAKTOK/HOLMAN - Joanne Ogina is familiar with her new position as recreation co-ordinator for the community of Ulukhaktok.

"In the past I had covered taking on the duties of the rec co-ordinator until they hired someone so I'm familiar with the job," the 47-year-old resident said. "What's needed and what needs to be done, it's not new to me, so it's nice."

Joanne Ogina, the new recreation co-ordinator for the community of Ulukhaktok, enjoys a day out in the Northern sun. - photo courtesy of Joanne Ogina

Ogina was born and raised in Ulukhaktok and said the willingness and togetherness of the community is what makes performing her job so enjoyable.

"People partner up and work to get things done well," she said, pointing out the partnerships with the elders and youth council to prepare their Easter weekend activities this past weekend. "The willingness of people to help out, it makes these types of jobs enjoyable. It's not all on your shoulders. You've got a good group of people around to help you if you need it."

Ogina left her position as co-ordinator of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in the community after two years to take on a new challenge as the rec co-ordinator. She said it provided her with more job stability as funding for the AHF was going to run out next year. She said she's looking forward to applying her skills and ability to the job.

"Trying to find out all the details of how each different program work and run is going to be the biggest challenge, along with staff turnover," she said. "I want to build on what is here and once I become familiar with the programs maybe get some advice from the community as to what they'd like to see and try to implement their ideas."

A real people person, Ogina said it's what makes her love the job.

"It's a real people oriented job," she said. "You get to do a lot of work with different groups and meet different people through the course of a year. I love the chance to work with children and youth. That's what drew me to the job - the people aspect."

When Ogina isn't working she spends her time travelling and sewing, but when the end of April hits, she's out enjoying her favourite thing - fishing with her friends.

"We like to go a couple miles out of town and we love to sit out there, after work until two in the morning, just fishing," she said. "We get together and have tea, chat and fish. It's a really great time."

Ogina said the biggest fish she ever caught was a three-foot lake trout.

"I was fishing with a rod and I couldn't get it to come out of the water," she said. "I just pulled it back until it flopped onto the shore and I ran down to grab it. It was huge."