Kanguq Hiver ᐅᑭᐅᖅ Winter 2017 | Page 14

workplace . I also discovered how much fun it was to work with another nation . It was a chance to discover the Inuit and to learn more about their culture . It was very exciting !” In January 1992 , the FCNQ offered him a permanent position . Since then , he has deepened his commitment to the FCNQ and has taken part in numerous projects that have contributed to the organization ’ s success . Open-minded
One of François Day ’ s finest traits is his open-mindedness . “ I remain true to myself and I ’ m always accessible . That ’ s what has helped me to fit in wherever I ’ ve worked !” Drawing on that same quality , he set out to discover the Great North and its inhabitants . His first voyage to Nunavik was in 1995 . That and the rest of his travels around the region will remain forever etched in his heart . “ Each trip gave me a newfound appreciation of these faraway places where nature is sublime and omnipresent ! The Inuit are a very warm people . I had some very memorable experiences as I accompanied them in their traditional activities .” His travels had an immediate impact on how he works , as did collaborating directly with the Inuit . As he gained an understanding of their reality , he was able to reflect with them on ways to improve their development while contributing positively to their quality of life . Concrete achievements for Nunavik
What excites him most about his work is being able to contribute to the development of various Inuit villages . In 2001 , he began playing an active role in improving the hotels within the network of 14 cooperatives . “ The infrastructure was in need of a serious makeover , including more rooms . We feel it ’ s important to welcome our clients in a pleasant atmosphere . So we worked with an interior designer and renovated all of our hotels .” And because he was responsible for producing the financial reports for the cooperatives , he had the required level of knowledge to draw up their business plans and secure financing for their construction and equipment acquisition projects .
The Fédération provides a wide range of services to its cooperatives , including training . “ I ’ m very involved in putting together our training programs for co-op managers . We make sure that they have the tools they need to carry out their duties and make sound business decisions .” Solid vision for the future
Mr . Day is optimistic about the FCNQ ’ s future . Thanks to the organization ’ s key role in Nunavik , a number of projects geared towards the local population are currently under way . “ Our role shouldn ’ t exclusively be an economic one based on profitability . We also need to leave a ‘ social footprint ’. We will be increasing our focus on social issues in the future through strategic partnerships with other organizations . For instance , we would like to address the crucial problem of housing in Nunavik by setting up housing cooperatives . We will also be moving towards renewable energy in our operations in Nunavik . Needless to say , we will be emphasizing training so our members can become more autonomous . Nearly 95 % of the Inuit are co-op members . That ’ s a major connection , and that means we can have a direct positive impact !” A solid team
A father of two teenagers aged 15 and 13 , François Day keeps his personal and professional lives separate so he can give the best of himself in each area . When he leaves his home in the morning , he joins his second family at the FCNQ . And when it comes to taking on challenges , he can rely on a solid team of experienced managers . “ People like working here . Our employees have an opportunity to acquire highly valuable experience by getting to know the Inuit people in depth . Basically , we want to ensure a better and brilliant future for Nunavik ’ s communities . That ’ s the mandate I intend to carry out in the coming years !” •
ᐃᖃᓗᑉᐱᓂᐊ3ᓂᖅ , ᐊᓯᖃᖕᖏᓗᑐ3ᕿᐳᖅ ᑲᖏ3ᓲᑉ ᑰᖓᓂ ᐃ3ᖃᑕ3ᕕᒃ Venez vivre l ’ expérience de pêche authentique dans le Grand Nord québécois au CAMP DE LA RIVIÈRE PAYNE
Arctic Char fishing like none other ! At the PAYNE RIVER FISHING CAMP
© Steve MacInnis
12 KANGUQ Hiver / Winter 2017
1-800-465-9474 info @ aventuresarctiques . ca info @ arcticadventures . ca aventuresarctiques . ca arcticadventures . ca