There are some strong bonds among KugluktukSA国际影视传媒檚 current mayor, runner-up for mayor and previous mayor.
David Audlatak Nivingalok won a razor-close decision over Darren Ihumatak on Oct. 28. Nivingalok garnered 161 votes to 160 for Ihumatak.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 incredible how close the race was,SA国际影视传媒� Nivingalok said.
He and Ihumatak not only shared the ambition of becoming mayor, they share they same father.
Nivingalok is also related to the man whose job heSA国际影视传媒檚 taking, outgoing mayor Ryan Nivingalok is his cousin. They two were raised together, like brothers, by their mothersSA国际影视传媒� parents, David said.
In addition, David and Ryan are both housing maintainers with the Kugluktuk Housing Authority. Ryan chose not to seek a third term in office, stating that he had to concentrate on his family and his health.
David resolved to step in and carry on with some of the initiatives that his Ryan and the previous council began, namely trying to achieve a long-term care centre for Kugluktuk.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 really sad and itSA国际影视传媒檚 hard to see that our elders always have to leave home to be taken care of. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 2019 and that shouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 have to happen anymore,SA国际影视传媒� David said.
While David was concluding his successful quest for the mayorship, thousands of kilometres away in Iqaluit, Health Minister George Hickes was informing his colleagues in the legislative assembly that KugluktukSA国际影视传媒檚 proposal for a long-term care facility SA国际影视传媒� based on fee-for-service arrangement with the GN SA国际影视传媒� is still being examined.
Jobs also a priority
David said he would also like the hamlet to become a greater source of training and employment opportunities for local youth who complete high school.
There are plenty of jobs available through TMAC ResourcesSA国际影视传媒� Hope Bay project, 125 km southwest of Cambridge Bay, but some young people are encountering a barrier to finding work there, he said.
SA国际影视传媒淓verybodySA国际影视传媒檚 testing positive for marijuana in their system and canSA国际影视传媒檛 land those jobs,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淲e have to find new ideas and pathways for these (youth) to be successful and acquire these jobs, and lead a good life afterward.SA国际影视传媒�
David served as a hamlet councillor several years ago. He was a vice-president with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association up until last year. He also sat as chair of the Kugluktuk Hunters and Trappers Organization in the past.
ThereSA国际影视传媒檚 quite a few newly-elected members of the new hamlet council, but David said many of the newcomers possess at least board experience from other organizations.
SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檒l be able to make strong and good, sound decision for the community, for the people,SA国际影视传媒� he predicted.
