Discover Why Whale Cove’s Mayor is Passionately Embracing the Unique Lifestyle of Nunavut

Home is where the heart is, and for Oliver Shipton, Whale Cove is just that. As the town’s mayor and wildlife officer, he, his partner Mikka Komaksiutiksak, and their young son, Aati, are deeply rooted in this small community.

Oliver, who hails from Huntsville, Ontario, arrived in Whale Cove five years ago. It was a big change for him, moving from a southern city to a remote area with under 1,000 residents. “I had never experienced life in such an isolated community before,” he recalls.

Mikka grew up in Whale Cove but spent some time in Ottawa before returning to her hometown. For her, Whale Cove is familiar territory, filled with memories and a strong sense of community. Oliver remembers his first impression of the place vividly. The landscape was vast, and he was greeted by a tiny airport terminal. “I didn’t see much, just land,” he says.

When he first arrived, locals wanted to know how long he intended to stay, which was understandable. “The previous wildlife officer hadn’t lasted more than eight months,” he explains. His initial tours around the community were eye-opening. With houses connected to fuel tanks and water trucked in, it was a different world for him.

Nature’s beauty also took him by surprise. He arrived in October and found the landscape breathtaking. “It was just stunning,” Oliver shares. “Adapting isn’t about slowing down; it’s about truly living. Here, you work for things that might seem simple elsewhere.”

He enjoys the independence the community offers. If he wants meat for dinner but doesn’t want to pay too much at the grocery store, he goes hunting. “You learn to fix things rather than replace them,” he explains. This lifestyle makes him feel more capable and connected to his surroundings.

Oliver believes that life in Whale Cove has more depth. He feels more fulfilled here than he did in the city. His partner and son share his sentiments, with Aati expressing that he enjoys Whale Cove more than Ottawa. “Once you truly appreciate what this place has to offer, you’re hooked,” he says. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else anytime soon.”

There’s an inspiring trend with people moving to smaller, more connected communities. Recent studies show a growing desire for sustainable living and a simpler lifestyle, especially among younger generations. They are seeking more than just convenience; they want connections and experiences that enrich their lives. Oliver and Mikka’s story is a perfect example of this shift—a testament to the emotional ties we develop with our chosen homes.

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