SANIKILUAQ - Johnny Meeko started as a classroom assistant in Sanikiluaq in 1973 and now, 36 years later, he's decided to take a break to focus on what he's been missing for the past three decades: the land.

"When I started working my grandfather was still around," said Meeko. "The only time I had to go out with him was on the weekend, on Saturday. Saturdays are usually are not very good weather so I spent a lot of time in school but I didn't spend much time with my grandfather when he was still around. We used to go out when I was on summer vacation from federal day school."

Johnny Meeko accepts a $3,600 cheque from Annie Kittosuk, Chair of Najuqsivik Society. Meeko has volunteered with the local non-profit society for years, helping out as a general handyman. Najuqsivik also presented Meeko with a locally printed sweatshirt and a 2008 edition of the community historical yearbook. - photo courtesy of Tim Hoyt

At age 55, Meeko took early retirement. He said he wanted to have the time to hunt while he was still physically able to, before the frailty of age caught up with him. He was especially looking forward to goose hunting in the spring and fall.

After his start as a classroom assistant Meeko worked his way into a role as an Inuktitut language specialist as well as taking part in traditional activities with students on the land. For much of his career Meeko improved his professional qualifications by taking summer courses in Chesterfield Inlet, Iqaluit and Fort Smith.

For the past few decades, Meeko has worked as a full-time classroom teacher, teaching everything from Inuktitut language to social studies to math and sciences. The last few years he's specialized as a Grade 6 teacher.

"I want to thank the people of Sanikiluaq, especially those people who gave me the opportunities to work in the school in 1973," he said.

He started at the school in Sanikiluaq with few on-paper credentials.

"I didn't finish school because my father was sick, so I didn't go to Ottawa for more school," Meeko said.

He remains active in Sanikiluaq's community life. A former Ranger and a volunteer with Najuqsivik Society, Meeko remains engaged in the congregation of St. Philip's Anglican Church through its Vestry Council.

In the meantime, Meeko said he looks forward to sleeping in in the mornings, though that opportunity may be limited because he has grandchildren who need to be sent to school. He's also considering occasionally taking days as a substitute teacher.