workplace. I also discovered how much fun it was to work with another nation. It was a chance to discover the Inuit and to learn more about their culture. It was very exciting!” In January 1992, the FCNQ offered him a permanent position. Since then, he has deepened his commitment to the FCNQ and has taken part in numerous projects that have contributed to the organization’ s success. Open-minded
One of François Day’ s finest traits is his open-mindedness.“ I remain true to myself and I’ m always accessible. That’ s what has helped me to fit in wherever I’ ve worked!” Drawing on that same quality, he set out to discover the Great North and its inhabitants. His first voyage to Nunavik was in 1995. That and the rest of his travels around the region will remain forever etched in his heart.“ Each trip gave me a newfound appreciation of these faraway places where nature is sublime and omnipresent! The Inuit are a very warm people. I had some very memorable experiences as I accompanied them in their traditional activities.” His travels had an immediate impact on how he works, as did collaborating directly with the Inuit. As he gained an understanding of their reality, he was able to reflect with them on ways to improve their development while contributing positively to their quality of life. Concrete achievements for Nunavik
What excites him most about his work is being able to contribute to the development of various Inuit villages. In 2001, he began playing an active role in improving the hotels within the network of 14 cooperatives.“ The infrastructure was in need of a serious makeover, including more rooms. We feel it’ s important to welcome our clients in a pleasant atmosphere. So we worked with an interior designer and renovated all of our hotels.” And because he was responsible for producing the financial reports for the cooperatives, he had the required level of knowledge to draw up their business plans and secure financing for their construction and equipment acquisition projects.
The Fédération provides a wide range of services to its cooperatives, including training.“ I’ m very involved in putting together our training programs for co-op managers. We make sure that they have the tools they need to carry out their duties and make sound business decisions.” Solid vision for the future
Mr. Day is optimistic about the FCNQ’ s future. Thanks to the organization’ s key role in Nunavik, a number of projects geared towards the local population are currently under way.“ Our role shouldn’ t exclusively be an economic one based on profitability. We also need to leave a‘ social footprint’. We will be increasing our focus on social issues in the future through strategic partnerships with other organizations. For instance, we would like to address the crucial problem of housing in Nunavik by setting up housing cooperatives. We will also be moving towards renewable energy in our operations in Nunavik. Needless to say, we will be emphasizing training so our members can become more autonomous. Nearly 95 % of the Inuit are co-op members. That’ s a major connection, and that means we can have a direct positive impact!” A solid team
A father of two teenagers aged 15 and 13, François Day keeps his personal and professional lives separate so he can give the best of himself in each area. When he leaves his home in the morning, he joins his second family at the FCNQ. And when it comes to taking on challenges, he can rely on a solid team of experienced managers.“ People like working here. Our employees have an opportunity to acquire highly valuable experience by getting to know the Inuit people in depth. Basically, we want to ensure a better and brilliant future for Nunavik’ s communities. That’ s the mandate I intend to carry out in the coming years!” •
ᐃᖃᓗᑉᐱᓂᐊ3ᓂᖅ, ᐊᓯᖃᖕᖏᓗᑐ3ᕿᐳᖅ ᑲᖏ3ᓲᑉ ᑰᖓᓂ ᐃ3ᖃᑕ3ᕕᒃ Venez vivre l’ expérience de pêche authentique dans le Grand Nord québécois au CAMP DE LA RIVIÈRE PAYNE
Arctic Char fishing like none other! At the PAYNE RIVER FISHING CAMP
© Steve MacInnis
12 KANGUQ Hiver / Winter 2017
1-800-465-9474 info @ aventuresarctiques. ca info @ arcticadventures. ca aventuresarctiques. ca arcticadventures. ca