John Sakchekapo
Boys Just Wanna Have Fun

What makes the former Round Lake Oji-Cree so happy at work? It's a boy thing, admits Sakchekapo. Purchasing, receiving, and issuing cards are all fine he says, but the piece de resistance is "moving stuff with that little forklift. I like unloading the truck when it comes in," he said, grinning, "[driving] up and down this little ramp."

Sakchekapo jokingly calls his equipment "that little forklift" and really does love driving it. He is also fully trained and completely serious about his job. "Regardless of experience," explained Marc Lauzier, the site's safety and training superintendent, "no one can operate equipment at Musselwhite unless they are certified for that particular equipment. We value our people, our environment and commit to having everyone return home safely."

Sakchekapo loves driving the forklift up and down this little ramp
Photo by Shirley Collingridge

No amount of training can dull Sakchekapo's spirit. His energy is unflagging; he often works beyond his already lengthy shifts. "I work seven days off – eight days on and six days off," he said, "from Tuesday morning till the following Tuesday night. I work from seven till six but I usually come in early."

At work, Sakchekapo also finds time to learn. Previously he took advantage of courses offered at Musselwhite, but today he expands his knowledge less formally. "It's on the job – learn as you go. You have to ask questions," he says because he would not want to damage the valuable equipment. "It's a lot of money," he said, "So I have to ask."

Sakchekapo, who knew little about computers before coming to Musselwhite, appreciates the opportunity to learn more. "I like the computer. I learn lots. The guy I work with now is pretty patient."

Enthusiastic employees like Sakchekapo are the reason supply chain coordinator Glen Trafford can be so patient. Trafford relishes his position as mentor. "I like helping people with their careers. I must be doing my job quite well because I've seen a few of the warehouse technicians move forward over the years. I felt good about it because in just about every case, it's been for them to better themselves. This is a good stepping stone for moving up in the purchasing field or warehousing field," he said.

Perhaps Sakchekapo, who took a brief hiatus from the mining industry until early 2004, will eventually equal Trafford's record. Trafford has been with Placer Dome for more than 18 years. Like Trafford, Sakchekapo says he is here to stay.

At home in Thunder Bay, Sakchekapo does take time for leisure. "I do a little bit of sports," he said. "I like playing pool. I'm not a hunter or a fisherman."

However, Sakchekapo did recently find himself involved in the hunt – as interpreter rather than hunter. "There was a nuisance bear hanging around this area," he said. "[The guide] couldn't speak English, so they asked me if I could go with him for a few hours out of the day . . . so I went hunting with him for a little while." And true to his nature, Sakchekapo had fun doing it.