Trump, Netanyahu and Tagak Curley: Rankin Inlet mental health advocate takes Proust Questionnaire

Noel Kaludjak is a man of many talents. He hunts and fishes, he is an avid snowmobiler, a “musically inclined” person who plays violin and church organ, and recently he mastered another new skill as a videographer for CBC.

He has a goofy sense of humour and is the kind of person who would offer you a ride if he saw you walking on the street in Rankin Inlet.

For years though, Kaludjak says he lived under the label of being a “bad person” because of his alcohol addiction.

Nobody would outright call him that, he says, but that’s the public perception.

He started drinking at 18 and has been battling it ever since, by organizing committees, an Alcoholics Anonymous program and support groups to help others stop drinking.

In 2024, he was honoured by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon for his years of work in men’s mental health.

Recently, Kaludjak, a recovering “bad person,” talked with Nunatsiaq News to answer the Proust Questionnaire.

What is your greatest achievement?

When I changed. When I realized my anger. When I dealt with my anger, I realized how I was hurting my children in the past and how I was treating my spouse. When I realized my mental issues.

It’s that moment.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Just leave your stress. Let it go. Let go of your stress and worries. If you’re worried about something, you can’t be happy.

What is your greatest fear?

Everybody says death. Well, it is coming, but I’m not afraid to die. My greatest fear is families breaking up.

I don’t like to see families break up — it breaks my heart.

Which living person do you most admire?

Tagak Curley [who is one of Nunavut’s founding fathers].

Which living person do you most despise?

[U.S. President Donald] Trump. [Israel Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu.

What is your current state of mind?

Peace.

Which talent would you like to have?

I want to play the violin, organ and guitar. I played those instruments, but I’m not very good. I want to be a very good musician.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I guess I have a pretty good attitude and am funny. I joke around and I am talkative. I have a pretty good attitude, but my health is not the greatest, so I wish I could have better health with my asthma.

But what can I change? It’s embarrassing, but you see, I’m a messy guy. My stuff is everywhere, at home, at work. I want to be neat. I want to be a neat guy.

What is your greatest regret?

That I started drinking way back when I was growing up. I would tell myself I would never drink, but as soon as I turned 18 I started drinking. I regret getting into it.

Once in front of God, what would you tell him?

Oh, my goodness, what a question. Why do we go through all this trauma on Earth?

Nunatsiaq News is borrowing the old Proust Questionnaire parlour game to get to know people who are in the news. If you know someone in your community who our readers should get to know by taking this questionnaire, let us know by email: editors@nunatsiaq.com.