Sageatook takes a long shot at NTI post

JOHN THOMPSON

Joe Sageatook admits that his bid for one of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s top jobs is a long shot — his rival, incumbent James Eetoolook, was one of the negotiators who signed the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

“It’s a bit intimidating. He’s been there since day one,” Sageatook says.

Still, he argues a political outsider could be exactly what the land claims organization needs for its next first vice president and VP of finance.

“I’m young, and maybe we need some new ideas, fresh ideas,” says the 30-year-old, who spends his days tinkering with generators as an electrician for Nunavut Power — a job that’s let him visit every community in the Baffin, and a few others in Nunavut’s other two regions.

But while he has a good job, he realizes most Inuit in Nunavut don’t, which he says is his main motivation for becoming involved in politics.

He’s reminded of how Inuit are being left behind every time he walks through town and sees people he went to high school with. Often they’re wandering the streets without purpose, or loitering in the front lobby of Northmart.

There’s no shortage of government jobs — just a shortage of qualified Inuit to fill them. Sageatook says he wants to see the government get tough to ensure kids finish school and training programs.

He suggests money given to support students should be tied to attendance — and cut off when kids drop out.

“I’m going to check your attendance. I don’t want you to just take this money and drop out with it,” he said.

Of course, that’s well beyond the mandate of Nunavut’s land claims organization — but Sageatook has his sights set on higher targets. He says he sees the NTI position as a stepping stone to fulfilling his dream — becoming a member of the legislative assembly.

He’s spent the last few months studying the land claims agreement. “I really think that should be taught in high school,” he said. “Really, I didn’t know until I opened that book.”

He visited Cape Dorset three weeks ago, where he encouraged residents to vote, and says he received some energetic responses. He’s also appeared on the radio during a call-in with Eetoolook.

While he’s never been involved with NTI, he isn’t entirely without political experience: he was president of his student council in high school. He points out the only requirement for the job he’s running for is to be a Canadian citizen, a beneficiary, and over 16 years old. “I fulfill all those,” he said.

“I don’t think it would take very long before I catch on with what’s going on,” he added. “I catch on pretty quick.”

He has two children, a three-year-old boy and one-year-old girl. His body is adorned with six tattoos.

Beneficiaries head to the polls on March 21.