Trading flip flops for parkas
August 16, 2024
“Doing something different is what interested me in working in Nunavut - not to mention a siren call to adventure! If I were to describe a day in my life here, I’d start by saying there is no ‘day in the life of,’ because no two days are the same.”
Marita Erkila and her family moved to Iqaluit, Nunavut, on September 3, 2022. She remembers the date very well, because she left Ottawa wearing flip flops, in plus 30-degree weather. After a short three-hour flight, they arrived to a chilly, rainy, three-degree day in Iqaluit
“I quickly lost the flip flops and donned my parka, which has been my trusty companion since!
Less than two months later, on October 28, I experienced my first Iqaluit-style snow blizzard, which was fierce with 100 km hour winds. This was the start of a very long first winter. With two Iqaluit winters under my belt, I’m not going to say I love the cold, long winters, but I will say this place is even more beautiful when it’s covered in snow!”
Parole Officer Supervisor Marita Erkila
Her journey in corrections began long before her arrival in Nunavut. Inspired by her father, an Ontario Provincial Police officer, Marita developed a deep interest in the field early on. After working as a provincial correctional officer with young offenders in British Columbia in the early 1990s, she went on to pursue a degree in sociology and anthropology at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford.
This helped broaden her understanding of societal structures and human behavior, which proved crucial for her future roles in corrections at Matsqui and Mountain Institutions, medium-security men’s facilities in Abbotsford and Agassiz, BC, and as a community parole officer in Sudbury, Ontario.
“Learning about the North has been an ongoing process. When I first arrived, the landscape of tundra, as far as the eye can see, seemed stark. When a local resident told me that she appreciates having no trees because there’s nothing to block the view, I had to chuckle about that as it seemed at odds with my first impression of starkness. Now, I can actually agree as I see the true beauty of the views here, particularly so without any obstructions!
“The beauty of the tundra is exceptional. It’s truly amazing how quickly everything flourishes here at the first sign of the snow melting, from small flowers to small berries to tiny birds nesting. I feel like the longer I live here, the more of the land’s natural beauty is revealed to me. The most amazing part of making a life here, is living among some of the most talented artists in Canada.
“The artistic talent in the territory is nothing short of incredible, and I feel truly lucky to be able to purchase local art directly from the artists themselves - not to mention, the honor I feel in being able to meet and speak to the artists I’m purchasing from, whether its carvings, drawings, mitts, hats, jewellery or parkas. I display their art in my home and office with great pride and wear the carefully handcrafted sealskin hat and parka I purchased with great respect for the artists’ skill, particularly considering how amazingly impenetrable to the cold they are, despite the biting minus 50-degree winds!”
Marita and her dog Antonio outside in Iqaluit
Being the only full-time CSC staff member in Nunavut, Marita deals with situations that are outside the norm from her job as a parole officer in Sudbury.
“The biggest difference is that I am the only parole officer. The feeling of isolation was huge when I first got here, I was so used to being able to walk across the hall to a peer’s office to discuss a case, that I was initially at a loss; however, those feelings turned out to be quite short-lived once I remembered that my wonderful mentors and supports from the Ottawa Parole Office were just a phone call or email away. Now, “isolation” is just a geographic reference and nothing more.
“This has made all the difference in the world and I’m grateful to the Ottawa Parole Office for welcoming me so generously—a huge shout out to my boss, Richard Marceau, who has lived here previously and knows exactly what it’s like. Having this connection with someone who knows the ropes, not only professionally, but also personally, has made a huge difference for me and my family.”
Managing the logistics of offender rehabilitation and reintegration, coordinating with local RCMP detachments, and building essential community connections in one of Canada's most remote territories is all in a day’s work for Marita.
She might start her day arranging flights for offenders returning to their hometowns, notifying local authorities, or traveling to small towns like Kinngait (Cape Dorset), on southern Baffin Island, to meet with community members. These steps ensure the smooth integration for offenders being released. Her work is crucial in building trust and maintaining safety within these tight-knit communities.
“Each day is about collaboration and figuring things out as I go, which is really one of the most unique and exciting things about working up here. One of my favourite aspects is being able to engage with our partners in very meaningful ways. For example, meeting with RCMP members to discuss the return of an offender to a small community of 1,500 people and having real conversations about the potential impact the offender may have if he’s returned to this small community. I can honestly say, I’ve had some amazing experiences being part of the team that’s figuring out how to successfully reintegrate offenders using beautifully unique and collaborative approaches. They’ve made positive reintegration a wonderful reality, which reaffirms for me that people really care.”
Understanding and incorporating Inuit culture into her work has been vital to managing the risk an offender poses in the community. This includes promoting programs that help offenders reconnect with their cultural roots through traditional activities like hunting and fishing that also double as therapeutic practices.
Marita near the water’s edge in spring
“The Inuit culture, language, and art are priceless experiences, and something I will cherish for my entire life. It’s really been an experience like no other. But I can say that above all, it’s the friendliness of the people and the small town feel that has kept me and my family here. There’s just a realness about the people here that I love and appreciate. Although I realize that living and working in the Arctic might not be for everyone, I would encourage anyone who has a desire for adventure to consider.”
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