Nunavik is so big and vast; it is always a breath of fresh air to see the familiar faces that have helped establish Kativik Ilisarniliriniq across the North.

If you have been fortunate enough to travel to Tasiujaq, you will have surely crossed paths with Sandy and Jeannie Saunders. Long-time residents of Tasiujaq, Sandy has been behind the wheel of the Ajagutak School bus for over 30 years! “I like it. I like working here. I do a little bit of everything,” he shared.

Jeannie on the other hand, has held a number of roles, most recently as a student counsellor at Ajagutak School. “It’s good, I like it. If students get tired, they can come and talk to me about how they are doing or feeling that day.”

Sandy and Jeannie reminisced about how things have changed in Tasiujaq. “The air strip used to cross the middle of town,” Sandy shared. “We would walk by the planes every day, it was nice,” Jeannie added. Fun fact: the Tasiujaq Airport was inaugurated in 1996. Before that, planes landed on what is now the main road in Tasiujaq.

The long-time couple had some words of advice for Nunavimmiut students. Sandy was quick to share, “Be on time! Listen to your elders or whoever is taking care of you. Most importantly, do not run to the bus,” Jeannie continued, “I want to tell children to go to bed early on school nights. I would also like to see all the students graduate. When students graduate, they have more opportunities.”

And what does the future hold for this wonderful (power) couple? A lot of fishing, they both agreed! Until next time Sandy and Jeannie. Thank you for sharing a moment with us at Ajagutak School this past March.