A fledgling business says thanks

This letter is written to show our great appreciation to a few special people and businesses in Iqaluit.

Too often we neglect to tell or talk about the positive aspects of our lives, but rather spend a lot of energy on pointing out the wrongs of our world.

We would like to give acknowledgment of kind deeds that have come to light, due to us starting our own business a couple months ago. Starting a business in Nunavut is very hard. It is a rollercoaster with many ups and downs along the way.

There are many frustrations, so much so that at times, it makes you wonder if Nunavut wants any small businesses to be established at all, and although it looked very grim for us at first, Mr. Editor, we did come across some very good people, who did not have to help our business at all, but did so with the goodness of their hearts. Good people, our very own Santas, who reached down to lift us up when we really needed a break.

Who are these people? Well, we would like to take this time to tell you and all your readers so that their kindness may be know to many.

The Nunavut Construction Corporation, for giving our business a place to call home at an affordable rate for a small business. Without you, we would not have been able to go as far as we have today. Also, thank you for always having the attitude of “just ask if you need anything” — who could ask for anything better? To all the staff at NCC, thank you for making us feel so welcomed.

Thomas and Associates, your generosity is really appreciated. Without your assistance and generous heart, our small business would have never been able to complete our first contract when other arrangements fell through. Thank you Shawn for the understanding and kindness you have shown us.

Mr. Dan Kane of Canadian North, you gave us Canadian North’s support when we really needed it at the time of our first contract. Thank you so much for being so kind, your generosity gave our business the boost that it really needed, thank you for coming through for us.

On a more personal level, we would like to thank Jackie Simms, who is employed at Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. as director of social development. Jackie went beyond the call of duty when it comes to volunteering. Jackie volunteered her time to help us with our first contract from 3:00 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon to 5:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.

If that is not friendship, then we don’t know what is. Jackie, words are often not enough, but thank you very much for your support and kindness. You are really someone who can be counted on!

A big thank-you goes out to Nunavut Tunngavik, Qikiqtani Inuit Association and to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board for your support and for making that wise choice in contracting our business to work in partnership with yours. Thank you for your trust and willingness to give us, a new business, a try. We will strive to always give our best for you!

Last, but certainly not the least, we would like to thank our wonderful families who encouraged us even when things at first did not seem to be working out for our business. Thank you for always being there and for the help you have all provided towards our success to date.

At this time of year, we are all reminded to give generously. The people and businesses that we have thanked are good role models for us personally and we believe, for others. Our words are only words, but our gratification is from within our hearts and we just want to tell everyone just how great these people really are!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone! May we all receive the spirit of giving generously this year.

David Kunuk and Pat Angnakak
Ukpik Incorporated