Sometimes in business you are called upon to do things you are not sure about.  Recently, I made a voyage to the great north, Baker Lake and Chesterfield Inlet to be exact.  One of my   clients, Jim from Baker Lake also known as the Godfather of the North, was planning a sabbatical for a year.  This spurred me to make the trip before he left.  After speaking with Jim on the phone for several years, I felt strongly that we should meet, and that I should meet with the people who would take over for him in his absence.
I was unsure at first because a trip to this far north is not an inexpensive venture.  The big question was “Would it be worth it?”   What I discovered there, was worth the trip, beyond my wildest expectations.   I learned a new meaning to the word commitment.  Transplanted people like Jim are absolutely committed to every aspect of the north and the communities in which they live.  The involvement encompasses the school and science programs, minor hockey development, and cultural awareness. Their commitment to the people opened my eyes to how we “Southerners” can take so many things for granted.
I discovered the charm of the Inuit and understood why they garner such attention.  Their open friendly attitudes and simple scope of life reels you in pretty quickly.  I was readily introduced to several business owners who may need my services, and to the teachers and students of both area schools.  The children were inquisitive and asked me why I was visiting their community.  They were open and playful with me.
In Chesterfield Inlet, a community with a population of 350 people, I was taken aback and filled with pride to see 120 people with their new “Xpressions provided” school jackets!
Glen and Anna, teachers at the school welcomed me with open arms even though I had never met them before.  These two young people have immersed themselves in the north and have dedicated themselves in preserving the ways of the Inuit.  Part of the school’s curriculum is teaching the art of building a kayak.  I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the lesson for one entire day.  Being a foreigner to this part of the world, the constant attention and questions about why I was there, made me feel like a rock star.
I was blown away with the passion and commitment people like Jim and Anna and Glen have to the north and its people.  Many young boys go out and shoot their first caribou with Glen, a transplanted Ontarian.  Finally, I made new friends and committed long term clients.  The trip north became the one thing I am most sure about and given the opportunity, I will go north again!