Peter Taktogon is ready for a life of leisure. A residential school survivor, Taktogon has recently retired from the Kugluktuk Housing Association since starting his work there in May, 1972.
Taktogon grew up in the Contwoyto Lake area west of Kugluktuk living life on the land living in tents, iglus and travelling with dog teams.
photo couresty of Peter Taktogon
Life on the land was changing, he said so his family relocated to Kugluktuk (then known as Coppermine) where he attended school.
Taktogon attended the Arctic College in Fort Smith in 1968 to 1969 completing his trades ticket in plumbing and heating before landing a job with the local housing association in 1972.
"It was very important for me to find a job, it was also important for my parents that I did find a job in order to provide for them as they provided for me when growing up," Taktogon said.
"I enjoyed what I did and learned a lot in oil burners, space heaters and plumbing in which I too passed on my knowledge to summer students that came through our association and I am proud to see those young men working to this day."
Taktogon continues to be an active member of the community as part of the Kugluktuk Search and Rescue Team and as a board member of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
"I now have more time to be out on the land and live a leisure life," Taktogon said.
"I don't not have to rush my weekend hunting trips anymore and that hard work pays off as I own my own home and can maintain my home on my own."
Taktogon said that he felt education was a key part of his life and will continue to advocate for it with young people in his community.
