BAKER LAKE - Vince Pattunguyak of Baker Lake is living proof people can achieve their goals when they put their minds to it and are willingly to work hard.

Vince Pattunguyak has been promoted to a drill operator after spending three years on the job as a night watchman for Agnico-Eagle Mines in Baker Lake. - photo courtesy of Michael Haqpi

Pattunguyak, who describes himself as a young man in his late 20s, was happy to be hired by Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM) as a night watchman at the Meadowbank gold mine in 2008.

It wasn't long, however, before he was aware of another job he felt had his name all over it.

Pattunguyak wasn't content to remain a night watchman for long, and he set his mind on earning a promotion shortly after he began work with AEM.

He said he'd like to see many other Inuit youth set goals for themselves and achieve them.

"I saw the drillers at work when I first started at Meadowbank and, in my mind, I could see myself working as a driller," said Pattunguyak.

"I knew if I worked hard and thought properly, I would get to that position.

"I thought AEM might have an excellent program to give employees a chance for promotion in their work.

"As work progressed, I had a chance for that promotion and I now have the job as drill operator."

Pattunguyak encourages youth to work hard at achieving their own goals.

He said young people have to realize it's important to finish high school.

"My new job is fun and I like it.

"Our supervisor is an engineer who has a written plan of the work we do daily.

"Engineers are professionals, and we have to follow what they've set."

Pattunguyak has learned there's no room for mistakes in mine-related work.

He said on his new job, he's told how many holes to drill, where to drill them and how deep to drill.

"It's fun to follow the instructions and do my work.

"I'm also happy to be able to help my parents with necessities like buying food, because, in Baker Lake, food and necessities are expensive.

"At the same time, I can buy some things for myself.

"I hope other young people have a chance to get to where they want to be, as I have been able to do."

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