Jordan Mota – Making a Difference in the Arctic Circle

Born in 1991 in Strathroy, Ontario, Jordan Mota’s family history in Canada spans across different generations. “My mom, Osvalda, immigrated from São Jorge, Azores, when she was 15. She came to Canada in the early ’70s with my grandmother and grandfather, settling in Strathroy”, he recalled in a conversation held in the summer of 2024. Jordan’s father, Walter, is a first-generation Canadian and a son of immigrants who also hail from the Azores. “My grandfather came first and worked on the rail line in Strathroy,” Jordan explained. “Once he had saved enough, he brought over the rest of the family.”

Jordan’s early years were marked by change and adaptation. When he was around five years old, his parents separated, and he moved with his mother to Cambridge, another town with a significant Portuguese community. It was here that Jordan’s mother, Osvalda, met her current husband, Luis, a man with a similar immigration story. “My stepdad, Luis, came to Canada when he was around 15, even earlier than my mom,” Jordan shared. “He’s from Pico and immigrated in the ’60s.”

Despite now living in Nunavut, Jordan remains connected to his family roots. “I still visit my family in Strathroy and Cambridge whenever I can,” he says. He has also been to Portugal a few times during his childhood, particularly to visit his mother’s family. “We would go to São Jorge, where my mom has family, in Velas and Rosais. We’d split our time between the two towns”, he offered.

His educational journey took him to the University of Guelph for his undergraduate studies and then to McMaster University, where he obtained a master’s degree in international relations. Now, as a union representative for the Nunavut Employees Union, Jordan continues to write his own story far from the place where he grew up.

MOVING TO NUNAVUT

“It’s a question I often ask myself,” Jordan Mota mused, reflecting on his decision to relocate to Nunavut. Currently one of very few individuals of Portuguese heritage residing in the Canadian arctic region, his move came purely by chance. With a background in politics, Mota had worked on campaigns and outreach initiatives across Canada, from the lush landscapes of British Columbia to the bustling hubs of Ontario. Yet, it was the allure of the northern frontier that ultimately beckoned him and led him to his new home.

“I first got a taste of life in the North during a campaign stint in Yukon,” Jordan recalled. It was there that he encountered individuals from Nunavut who were passionate about fostering a labor presence in the region. Jordan found himself drawn to the idea of contributing to this endeavor. Taking a leap of faith, he made the move to Iqaluit, embracing the unknown.

Now, as Jordan approaches his second year in Nunavut, he reflects on the unique challenges and beauty of life in the Arctic. “It’s been an adjustment, that’s for sure,” he said. “The landscape is unlike anything I’ve ever seen—the tundra is breathtaking. The absence of trees is something you have to get used to, and the distinct day and night cycles of the far north can be disorienting at first.” Despite the adjustments, Jordan is relishing his time in Nunavut, captivated by the region’s rugged beauty and the warmth of its people.

PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Jordan Mota is a Labour Relations Advisor for the Nunavut Employes Union, which represents the public employees in the territory. “It’s a mix of all things,” he said of his role, which includes responsibilities from grievance handling to establishing new locals across the territory. With a chuckle, he added, “the nature of the North is that you always have to wear many hats up here.”

This versatile attitude seems to be a requirement when your workplace spans the vast and remote communities of Nunavut. In a relatively short time, Mota has already traveled to most of the 25 communities that make up the territory. His journeys have taken him to the high Arctic Archipelago of the Qikiqtaaluk region, including places like Resolute and Grise Fiord, and as far south as the Belcher Islands, located in the middle of Hudson Bay. He has also ventured west to the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions, though not as extensively as his home region. Each community, he emphasized, is fly-in only, with no road access. “There are no roads up here,” he said, a fact that underscores the unique challenges and adventures of his work.

Jordan Mota clearly takes pride in his work and the impact he has had in his relatively short time with the Nunavut Employees Union. His role is not just about handling complaints and disputes, but also about empowering and engaging employees. By identifying those with a desire to get more involved, he provides training and career progression opportunities, fostering a sense of growth and development within the union and all the communities it serves.

FINDING FELLOW PORTUGUESE IN REMOTE TERRITORY

The saying goes that we live in a small world, and although Nunavut is the largest territory in Canada, it is also true that it also boasts the lowest population. This fact alone would naturally lead Jordan Mota to believe that he must be the only Portuguese in the territory, or at least on of very few. It did not take him long to begin finding answers to that enigma.

“Yes, I have found other Portuguese in Nunavut,” Jordan shared with a hint of amusement in his voice. “At first, I said to myself, ‘I think I’m the only Portuguese up here.’ I recall chatting with my boss at the office, mentioning how the Euro Cup was happening and assuming I was likely the only Portuguese person in the area watching the game.” However, fate had a surprise in store for Jordan. “As soon as I said that, I spotted a pickup truck with a massive Portuguese flag waving in the back. We happened to be near one of the town’s restaurants, and the driver pulled in for lunch. It was time for my lunch too and I took the opportunity to introduce myself.”

The encounter led Jordan to a local Legion, where he joined the man and his family for a beer while watching the soccer game. But this was not the last time Jordan’s heritage would spark unexpected connections. On another occasion, while on assignment in the remote community of Sanikiluaq, in Hudson Bay, Jordan’s unique name sparked curiosity while catching a connecting flight in Winnipeg. “I handed my ID to the teller, and she immediately commented that my name sounded Portuguese. ‘I never thought I would meet a Portuguese person living in Nunavut’, she said. Once on the plane, a gentleman approached me and said that he was also Portuguese”, Jordan recalled with a chuckle.

Before our conversation, Jordan let us know that he perused through lusocanada.com and read a story we wrote on Jonathan Sousa, an RCMP officer of Portuguese heritage who also resides in Iqaluit. At the end of that article, Jonathan mentions that he found a place in town that sells pastéis de nata. Unfortunately, Mota has not been as lucky. “I read the article on the RCMP officer”, he related, “but I haven’t found them yet. I have been looking. I think I’ll have to learn how to cook them myself.”

CONNECTION TO HIS ROOTS

Jordan Mota, a dual citizen of Portugal and Canada, has a strong connection to his Portuguese roots, which he maintains despite the distance from his birthplace, where he could easily immerse himself in his ethnic heritage. Growing up, he was actively involved in the Portuguese community, frequenting clubs for special events and family gatherings, and even marched multiple times in the Espirito Santo parade, in Cambridge.

“I identify with being Portuguese, very much so. I have my citizen card and passport for Portugal. I miss the cuisine and culture, so my mom and I video chat, and she teaches me the recipes she cooked when I was growing up. My friends at fifteen weren’t shaving hair off a pig to make chouriço in the garage,” Jordan said, laughing. “Even as a second-generation Canadian, those are the kinds of traditions I grew up with and continue to uphold.” He attributes this to the influence of his grandparents and parents, recognizing the importance of actively preserving his cultural heritage. “It’s about learning the language, the recipes, and hearing the stories,” he added. “It influenced how I view myself and my place in the world.”

He also tries to keep up with Portuguese soccer but has encountered challenges that have prevented him from following his favourite team, Benfica. “I haven’t been able to find a streaming channel in Nunavut”, he lamented.

Jordan has been recreating the Portuguese dishes his mother teaches him over videochat and introducing them to his colleagues. Lately, he has been experimenting with codfish recipes, of which the croquettes seem to have become a particular favourite at his workplace.

Mota plans to stick around in Nunavut for a few years to realize his professional objectives. “I can’t see myself staying permanently, but I want to make the most of my time here,” he said. “I have goals for my work with the Nunavut Employees Union, and I want to leave the community better than I found it.”

Jordan Mota’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptation, reflecting the experiences of his ancestors who bravely ventured into the unknown before him. In Nunavut, he discovered a sense of purpose that is not only self-fulfilling but also relevant to the betterment of the community. As Jordan continues to forge his path, he leaves behind a lasting imprint, not just in Nunavut but in the hearts and minds of those who share his cultural heritage, asserting that the community is woven into the very fabric of Canada.

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