hard work from the negotiating table to

and getting the education they need to work at the park. This gives Paulatuuq youth an opportunity to stay and work right in their home community if they wish to.

From a work perspective, Tuktut Nogait has provided training opportunities for me, another warden, and patrolmen including: ‘heli-sling’ rescue, swift water rescue, advanced first aid, first responder training, avalanche rescue and awareness training, river canoeing (class I, II, and III waters). These have all proven to be so useful in everyday life. There is also a research station named after my father where summer camps are held for students and Elders to gather and learn about the park's history by travelling to sites that are thousands of years old. We are still learning about our history today!

To me, the hard work from the negotiating table to Tuktut Nogait today shows that our Elders had a vision that we as a younger generation must carry on to ensure that our caribou have a safe place to calve, the lakes and rivers are open to the community for harvesting, our youth are educated, and locals are hired. I think they wanted to protect our traditional way of life.

Looking To The Future

I would like to see more of the community travel to the park for gatherings. It is important for the community to see and take ownership of Tuktut Nogait. One day, I would like to see fully staffed positions from the community. The Park is a hard place to access due to costs, but it is right in our backyard.

I think we should create more programming for youth and Elders to gather and teach our way of life. Educate and mentor youth to work at the TNNP office. Host co-management meetings in the community and have them open for youth to attend. Most of all, continue to take ownership of the good work our co-management boards already do.

My advice for the next generation: Go to school; take on mentorships when you have a chance; listen in on the co-management meetings that TNNP hosts; continue to keep our way of life. Get a job at Tuktut Nogait and it will give you opportunities to travel and work in other national parks. Most importantly, be proud of where you come from!