Peter Taktogon has been a housing maintainer in Kugluktuk for a remarkable 47 years and heSA国际影视传媒檚 not done yet.
Taktogon started the job in 1972, having taken his training in Fort Smith and Iqaluit.
HeSA国际影视传媒檚 witnessed many advances in construction techniques, materials and tools over decades.
SA国际影视传媒淭hey used to have only oil-burning space heaters in the units,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭hen they renovated quite a few houses and started putting in furnaces and plumbing systems. In the past they used to use honey buckets and the water tanks used to be in the units, they had no plumbing in those days. ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 when I first started.SA国际影视传媒�
HeSA国际影视传媒檚 also grateful for cordless drills rather than having to torque screws by hand all the time.
A typical day for him involves maintaining and repairing furnaces and plumbing, he said. He doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 accrue as much overtime as in years past when there were more frequent power outages in Kugluktuk.
SA国际影视传媒淚t used to burn out a lot of controls,SA国际影视传媒� he said of electrical shortages. SA国际影视传媒淣ow theySA国际影视传媒檝e got the power plant running good and everything. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 OK now.SA国际影视传媒�
Taktogon grew up on the land near Contwoyto Lake SA国际影视传媒� an area also known as Lupin SA国际影视传媒� when he was young. He moved to Kugluktuk with his family and thatSA国际影视传媒檚 when he learned of this occupation. He said he remains fond of it after all almost half a century.
SA国际影视传媒淚 still enjoy the work. It keeps me busy. I learn lots of new stuff from new technology,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭he new technology has really changed everything.SA国际影视传媒�
Taktogon, who has achieved journeyman status, was recognized in the legislative assembly in March for his long-term service.
He said he recommends trades to Nunavummiut who are seeking careers.
SA国际影视传媒淚 encourage lots of young people to get into apprentice programs and heavy equipment operators (training),SA国际影视传媒� he said, adding that he knows of some youth who have been hired at the mines in Nunavut as a result of trades training.
