Sanikiluaq senior administrative officer (SAO) Rob Hedley is no stranger to the Kivalliq region.
Hedley spent five years in Rankin Inlet as a finance officer and six as a municipal inspector for the Department of Community and Government Services. He also spent two years in Coral Harbour and three years in Naujaat as an SAO in both communities.
Hedley, 53, said his best memory of the Kivalliq is when his son, Ethan, 16, was born in Rankin Inlet on July 22, 2008.
He said he always says to people that every community is the same, but different.
“What I mean by that is that they all have their little differences and their own little bit of a unique flavour in each place, but I've always loved every place I've been,” said Hedley.
“Work wise, it was a little tough when I was in Naujaat because they were in a rough spot. But I went in there for a reason and that was to try and help them out.
“But, other than that, as far as challenges go, the only rough spot was when I was single and on my own in Rankin and housing was an issue trying to find a place long term.”
Hedley accepted the SAO position in Sanikiluaq at the end of May.
He said he was facing some challenges and just looking around at the time when the Sanikiluaq position presented itself.
“My wife and I had separated and were going through a divorce. I kind of wanted to stay in Ontario because my son is down there, but I needed to do what I had to for myself at the time.
“I needed a challenge at the time, so I applied here and things have worked out well. I've really enjoyed it here so far.”
Hedley said of the three Kivalliq communities he worked in, he can honestly say he misses the people the most.
He said folks in the Kivalliq were always great to him and his family when they were there.
“I miss the spirit of the communities and you always feel like you're useful.
“There's always a real community type of feeling present and I don't get that down south. I find people down south very disconnected and selfish, to be honest... A stranger is more likely to stare a dagger at you than shake your hand.
“I came North a few times, met a few people from Coral Harbour at the airport who I hadn't seen in awhile, and it was all hugs and handshakes. You don't get that in a lot of places in the world. It's just one of those things that I enjoy. I enjoy the people being very honest and open. I've always been welcomed in every Kivalliq community and never had a problem.
Here in Sanikiluaq, they haven't had a lot of continuity. They need someone who's committed to being here for a few years to get things turned around, so that's my plan for now. But I could definitely see a return to the Kivalliq some time in the future.”
