Peter's Expediting takes the big prize
Nunavut mining symposium an important event for Nunavut businesses: award winner
Walter Strong
Northern News Services
Published Monday, April 14, 2014
IQALUIT
Peter Tapatai makes it a priority to attend the annual Nunavut Mining Symposium, but he got more than he expected this time around.
Peter Tapatai, owner of Baker Lake’s Peter’s Expediting Ltd., hoists the Mike Hine Individual Award he was presented with at the 2014 Nunavut Mining Symposium awards gala April 10 in Iqaluit. - Navalik Tologanak/NNSL photo |
Peter's Expediting Ltd. in Baker Lake has been providing first-rate logistics support to industry in Nunavut's Kivalliq region since 1998.
In 2013, Tapatai was named businessman of the year by the Keewatin Chamber of Commerce, and awarded an honourary membership in the Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
This year he can add 2014 recipient of the Canadian North Nunavut mining Mike Hine Individual Award. It recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the mining industry in Nunavut.
"I was absolutely shocked," Tapatai said of being selected for the distinction. "It is a pure privilege to be given the Mike Hine award."
The 2014 Nunavut Mining Symposium drew more than 480 delegates.
"The mining symposium is a great place to connect with other communities, and to connect with the industries that are operating in Nunavut," Tapatai said.
"Nobody will know you're in business if you do not attend these shows," Tapatai added. "It's a great place to promote your business, even if you're remote and from another region."
Peter's Expediting employs between 12 and 15 people during the slower winter season. All those employees are local Inuit. During the busier summer season, he can employ up to 25 people, with 90 to 95 per cent of those employees being local Inuit.
Areva Mine's Kiggavik-Sisson uranium project is an important part of Tapatai's business, as well as plane handling in Baker Lake for First Air and Calm Air, and overland hauling for exploration companies to remote, poor access locations.
"Peter is a great example of what can be done when you pick your niche, hone your skills and build a company," said Elizabeth Kingston, general manager of the Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
"It was an easy decision," Kingston added.
Two other awards were presented during the evening reception on April 10 in Iqaluit.
Baffinland Mines was awarded the 2014 Canadian North Murray Pyke Award in recognition of contribution to mining and exploration in the economic and social development of a community or region in Nunavut.
Charlie Jefferson, research manager with the Geological Survey of Canada, accepted the 2014 Eric Prosh award in recognition of the contribution of a government department or organization to the advancement of the mining industry in Nunavut.
A silent auction during the awards event raised $4,500 in support of the Northern Youth Abroad program.
