Recently-elected Mayor Merlyn Recinos comes from an economic development background and he has ambitions to help make Iglulik more self-reliant.
Recinos is determined to form an economic development corporation, to be owned by the community, that would take over construction of local houses, bid for contracts issued by Baffinland Iron Mines, offer employment training, nurture a mini-mall in the old hamlet building and set up a healing centre that would offer cultural healing.
Funding for a feasibility study for this bold venture is coming from the GN. The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and the Kakivak Association have been approached to help finance the next phase. But itSA国际影视传媒檚 a means to an end, Recinos explained.
SA国际影视传媒淐ommunities can be self-driven. A lot of times we end up waiting for things from the federal and territorial government and we forget that we have the power to do a lot in our communities as well,SA国际影视传媒� he said, adding that Iglulik is home to IsumaTV and some SA国际影视传媒渆xtremely talented and very culturalSA国际影视传媒� individuals.
Recinos said he wants to keep Inuit culture and language at the forefront, which can also be showcased in tourism opportunities. He foresees the economic development corporation marketing sealskin parkas to sell to high-end shops in China.
SA国际影视传媒淲e want to create an industry that supports the hunter, the person that cleans (the sealskin), the tanner and the seamstress in Iglulik,SA国际影视传媒� he said, adding that the purchase of the parka can be coupled with a trip to Iglulik to experience the community, its people and culture.
Baffinland expansion decision
In regards to the proposed expansion of BaffinlandSA国际影视传媒檚 Mary River mine, the mayor said he didnSA国际影视传媒檛 want the municipality arguing for the final say in whether phase two of the mine proceeds. Instead, the hamlet occupies two seats on the Iglulik Working Group. The hunters and trappers association also accounts for two seats with the others being held by an elder adviser, a female adviser, a male adviser and a youth adviser.
SA国际影视传媒淭heySA国际影视传媒檙e the ones that review the information. TheySA国际影视传媒檙e the ones that go into the community, engage the community and bring back thoughts from the community,SA国际影视传媒� Recinos said. SA国际影视传媒淭heySA国际影视传媒檙e also the ones that look at the technical information. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 going to be their advice or their submission that weSA国际影视传媒檙e going to takeSA国际影视传媒� itSA国际影视传媒檚 really the community making the decision.SA国际影视传媒�
Recinos entered the mayorSA国际影视传媒檚 office by prevailing among a crowded field in the Oct. 29 municipal election. He finished with 103 votes, more than Joanna Haulli QuassaSA国际影视传媒檚 84, Matt TeedSA国际影视传媒檚 80, Illisapi HaulliSA国际影视传媒檚 50, Peter IvaluSA国际影视传媒檚 37 and Josiah KadlutsiakSA国际影视传媒檚 27.
Recinos runs Arctic Fresh, an independent grocery and dry goods supplier, along with his wife Rhoda, whoSA国际影视传媒檚 the CEO. He also served as the hamletSA国际影视传媒檚 economic development officer prior to being elected.
Over the years, he has volunteered his time to assist others in building business capacity, improving their employability skill and helping residents get their driverSA国际影视传媒檚 licence.
