Inuvik teacher's 'never-ending encouragement' leads to prestigious polar mentor award

"It was shock and humility and it's a great honour," said JoelMcAlister, a senior instructor in the Environment and Natural Resources Technology program at Aurora College in Inuvik, N.W.T.

McAlister was recognized as Mentor of the Year by the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists Canada (APECS)and the ArcticNet Student Association (ASA) Wednesday night in Winnipeg.

He's the first Northerner to make the list.

"I think what really touched home was most of the nominations for this award were generated by my past students, people of the community and researchers that came up through the program."

'Never-ending encouragement'

The Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program is a two-year program designed to train Northerners for careers in resource and wildlife management. The program includes both lab and fieldwork, while emphasizing the importance of traditional knowledge in resource management.

McAlisterhas been with the Aurora Collegesince 1998. Hewas nominated by 22 former students, researchers and colleagueswho submitted letters of support.

"Past students frequently mentioned how they wouldn't have the careers they have now without Joel's never-ending encouragement, support and mentorship," said Diana Reed, Aurora College's vice president of education and training.

'Genuinely cares'

Former student Edwin Amos, now a technician at the Aurora Institute, says that McAlister "genuinely cares about his work and his students, which creates this mutual respect with them."

McAlister said it'sstudents like Amos who make his work worthwhile.

"Our graduates who have gone through the program, who I had the honour of teaching and guiding, they teach me," he beamed.

"Just staying in contact with them, I think that's my greatest joy and the greatest thing I'm proud of.

"They are becoming big players in the communities that they work and live in now."

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