Resources & Tools
Kugluktuk, Nunavut
KISS 2000KISS 2000 is a web site designed so that all residents of Kugluktuk can stay connected...to each other, their community, and their land. The web site will feature Kugluktuk's history, photographs, and provide Internet access to the community. Through partnerships, the project is also providing web-based and computer training for some of its residents. |
Like many other small northern communities, Kugluktuk, Nunavut, knows firsthand the difficulty of staying connected to its residents, many of whom must leave the community for part of the year for work. With a population of 1,200, Kugluktuk also faces the dual challenges of a small human resource base, and fewer choices when it comes to local technology and technical expertise.
So when Kugluktuk learned of GeoConnections' Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI), it seemed an ideal way to address some of their concerns. They are now in the process of building the KISS 2000 web site, a storehouse of information for all residents. The web site will include Kugluktuk's history, photographs, tourist information, and give residents a "jumping off" place to learn computer technology and use the Internet. SCI provided computer equipment, including a digital camera and scanner, as well as technical expertise and training.
"The camera has been very popular!" says Jane McMullen, KISS's coordinator. "The scanner is one of the first skills that people are using - they bring in photographs and documents, like marriage and birth certificates. and scan them in so they can have copies for friends and family."
During the day, access to the Internet is through Nunavut Arctic College, while during the evenings and on weekends, access is gained through the local library. "Everything is being amalgamated into the community library - it's the focal point for the community - and we changed the hours to so that they are consistent every day," says Ms. McMullen.
The community librarian, Lucy Nivingalok, is a key player in the project. "Lucy has been involved with the Management Team along the way, is a part-time employee, and has also been taking training courses," Ms. McMullen explains. "She's central to the process."
Kugluktuk youth have been identified as a priority group for the project. "They want access to employment, retail and community information, as well as traditional knowledge" Ms. McMullen says. Jerry Ovilok, who has been trained in web design at the College and has designed some of the KISS 2000 web pages, attests to that fact. "It's a good thing for young people who are interested in the computer industry. I have two young boys and they're very interested in seeing what I do when I take my web design projects home." The Hamlet of Kugluktuk, the Nunvavut Arctic College, the Chamber of Commerce, and the local school association, among other local and federal partners, are involved as part of the Management Team that will continue the KISS project.
As well, the local mining industries have become involved. "They're interested in the people they employ in our community," said Gordon Bolduc, a counsellor with the Hamlet of Kugluktuk. "They are developing learning centres at the mine site so that people can access computers." Usually, employees at the mine sites work for two weeks, then come home for two weeks. The learning centres allow mine employees to stay connected to their families and their community by email.
The future of KISS 2000 is bright. As one example, the Management Team envisions the web site as a way to increase tourism. "The photographs that are already there are fantastic, and that's sure to attract attention," says Ms. McMullen. Mr. Bolduc agrees. "A lot of tourists are interested in our community, so it's going to be very popular."
"Kugluktuk knew from the beginning where they were going and what they wanted to do. They have the local knowledge and how issues can be addressed," says Tim West, SCI's Community Program Manager. Ms. McMullen concurs. "We wanted to move to a broader community level, and we've been very successful at that," she says. "It has been a learning experience. There's been frustration, but we persisted and learned new skills, new ways of doing things."