RANKIN INLET -The managers of Hunters and Trappers Organizations from around Nunavut attended their annual training workshop in Rankin Inlet from June 18 to 23.

This year, managers got a chance to try out the brand-new portable computer lab.

Louis Dornez, owner of Winnipeg-based SID Productions and Training and an instructor in the course said the new lab means the group no longer has to rent out a computer lab when they do training workshops.

"I think they'll probably pay it off in a year, two or three courses rather than renting a lab out which is quite expensive," he said. "You're not limited to schedules and renting out labs."

The new computers were purchased by the Nunavut Inuit Wildlife Secretariat and the Nunavut Harvester's Support Program, according to Richard Connelly, executive director of the secretariat. The workshop is also partnered with the Nunavut Implementation Training Committee.

The course has been held annually for the past four years to help HTO managers across Nunavut learn accounting and office software and learn about the harvesters support program. The managers then pass on what they have learned to their staff members.

"Since the HTOs deliver the programs on behalf of us, we wanted to make sure that they have understanding as to what they need to do in their communities to make sure that the program gets delivered accordingly," said Sarah Flynn, manager of Nunavut Harvesters Support Program.

"When they do training, we'll be part of the people who also do training on our section, so it only made sense that we contribute a little bit to assist in getting some of the computers," she said.

Dornez said the participants are getting better every year, especially when it comes to computer skills.

"It's working, they're getting the skill set as they go along, they're getting more computer skills," he said. "I've seen a big difference already in this course compared to the first one."

Lucassie Arragutainaq has been the HTO manager in Sanikiluaq for almost thirty years. He said the new computers are a definite asset for the program.

"They're nice, we've come a long way," he said.

Arragutainaq said learning the accounting software is the most helpful tool he plans on bringing back to his office.

"In the past, we had to do it manually," he said about accounting. He said learning the computer software makes it easier. "Let it do the work for you."

Noah Nakoolak said he is a new manager at the HTO in Coral Harbour and the workshop has helped him understand his role.

"These particular workshops that I'm in are very helpful because I have to get to know all the policies and procedures so I will know what needs to be done in the office," he said.

"I'm trying to get all the information I can from this workshop because I'm a very new person in the office."

Nakoolak said another positive aspect of the course is simply being able to meet the other HTO managers in person.

"It's good to meet other HTO manages not just e-mail or by voice, but if you see them in person you start getting detail from that person," he said.

The next round of workshops will take place in Iqaluit during the first week of July, Dornez said.