Daniel Hillman has been a community fixture in Iqaluit for the last 25 years.
He began his life in Nunavut with what was intended to be a four-month contract working in a restaurant, his “first love” being cooking. But “I was really in love with the city and population,” so the former Quebec City resident remained in the North and took on various other jobs over the years in restaurants and as a taxi driver.
In addition, Hillman became intimately involved with giving his time to the local community, and in particular the francophone population in various capacities. From administrator of the local French association, to working for the GN and the French school board — where a plaque recognizing his contribution was affixed to the building’s facade, as well as receiving the title “Francophone Personality of the Year” in 2017. Hillman was consequently invited to be formally bestowed with the title and to address the legislative assembly.
Since then, however, his life took a difficult turn when he was forced to go on disability due to a leg injury, among other unforeseen hardships. It was then time for the same community who had enjoyed his support to support him in turn.
After becoming homeless and living in a tent for close to a year, Hillman finally got the news in December in what he’s calling a “Christmas miracle” that he will finally be given housing, after being allowed to stay temporarily in Iqaluit’s Capital Suites hotel.
Although Hillman feels extremely fortunate to have finally gained access to housing, it did not come easily.
“Since I was living in a tent,” he says, “I was knocking on so many doors. I could be a Jehovah’s Witness,” he jokes.
The message of hope he wants to spread to his fellow Nunavummiut in similar situations is to persevere with government and social services.
“Whenever you’re knocking on doors, don’t give up, because then they forget about you. You have to be so persistent,” he says.
‘They have compassion’
Hillman sought help from support workers and doctors to attain the necessary letters of support and documentation for his case. Of the Department of Family Services, he says, “They helped me so much. I wouldn’t [have housing] without them. They [also] helped me find places to get warm, and helped when I was in the tent. They have compassion.”
When he received the letter informing him of the GN’s decision on his case, he says, “I was dancing. I couldn’t wait to tell my partner ‘no more tent.’”
In addition to housing, Hillman is getting back on his feet, literally, after finding a part-time job.
“I like to be active in the community,” he comments. “I’m going to try [to do that] again. I’m going to install myself [back in society], I don’t want to go back to my old life. I finally have a normal life.”
Reflecting on his struggle with homelessness, Hillman says that it was very much some Inuit and people with not much to spare who went out of their way to help him in his time of need by bringing food and other supplies when he was down and out.
Again praising Family Services for providing temporary lodging at Capital Suites, he also says the staff at the hotel have been “really good people. Kind, caring. The housekeeper makes sure I have everything [I need]. It’s nice to have a warm place — a break that Family Services gave to me.
“Some people in my situation, who are homeless, aren’t knocking on doors. But that’s not the way. You need to remind [the authorities]. People need a warm place [to live],” he remarks, emphasizing again that Nunavummiut are their own best advocates, and persistence in the face of adversity is the way to get what one needs.
Of his own good fortune, which has come to fruition through his ceaseless self-advocating and hard work, in addition to the kindness of others, Hillman says, “It’s good to see something nice happening, the community coming together.”