The candidates: Aggu - Action News
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The candidates: Aggu

The constituencys two candidates are Methusalah Kunuk and Joanna Quassa.

Two new candidates are running to represent the constituency

Joanna Quassa and Methusalah Kunuk are running for the Aggu seat in the 2021Nunavut territorial election. (CBC)

Igloolikis well known for its walrus hunts and for producing igunaq, that is, aged, fermented walrus meat, as well as cultural exports like film and television productions.

People in Igloolik often raise the issue of protecting and promoting the Inuit language and culture. There is also concern about the impact of mining and shipping on wildlife in the area.

As of 2020, Igloolik's population was 1,978, with roughly 40 per cent of residents under the age of 15.

Aggu has two candidates in this election:Methusalah Kunuk and Joanna Quassa.

CBC has reached out to all candidates with a list of questions in Inuktut and English, as well as consulted candidates' own online campaign messages. The available information has been edited for length and clarity.

Methusalah Kunuk

Originally from Igloolik, Methuselah Kunuk is a resident of Iqaluit where he has served as minister at the Anglican church, worked for the Nunavut government, and has a long involvement with the hunters and trappers organization and fisheries.

Kunuk told CBC he's been talking with constituents in Igloolik to find out what they want their new MLA to work on.

Top on their list of concerns is the lack of housing, followed by a need to update municipal infrastructure.

Health is also a major worry, Kunuk said: the community would like to see a doctor at its local health centre as well as a local facility for elders.

Joanna Quassa

Joanna Quassa was born at an outpost camp land called Kappuivik and raised by her grandmother in Igloolik.

She graduated from Nunavut Arctic College's Nunavut Teachers Education Program. After that, she worked as a teacher for 11 years and produced Inuktitut teaching materials for five years.

Quassa worked for the territorial Department of Culture and Heritage for 15 years, where she was a director for elders and youth, and workedon policies.

She also served as hamlet councillor, mayor, senior administrative officer, member of the local alcohol education committee and church lay leader.

"I am running because Igloolik deserves a better representation with their needs and with their issues," Quassa said.

The biggest issues in the constituency include housing, medical care and education, she said.

If elected, she said she would concentrate on community issues. Quassa said she has no interest in becoming premier.