Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Apr 14/00) - The Keewatin Meat and Fish plant in Rankin Inlet is about to let the world in on something Inuit have known for centuries - caribou is some mighty fine eating.

The shop recently received 54,000 kilograms of caribou meat from Coral Harbour. It's the second year Keewatin Meat and Fish has received the shipment, all federally inspected.

Brian Schindel, the plant's general manager, says the caribou meat will be processed into Denver hinds, strip loin, tenderloin, French racks, various jerkies, snackables as ready to eat shelf-stable products and smokies.

"What this means to the Kivalliq is more jobs in the community and not just Coral Harbour," says Schindel.

"We've already hired seven new full-time employees and I want to hire another three to five. The entire production is performed by Inuit employees."

As workers Paul Pissuk and George Kadlak process meat behind him (see front page photo), it quickly becomes obvious Schindel values the contributions his employees make to the company's success.

"We have employees who have been with us for more than five years and one said this is the longest he's ever stayed at one job.

"That's very encouraging for us to know we're meeting the needs of our employees.

"They're the heart and backbone of this facility."

An inspector has been visiting the plant this month and, with a few minor upgrades, Keewatin Meat and Fish will be European certified, opening new markets for its product.

"That will be a real accomplishment for Nunavut. There are very few European certified plants in Canada," says Schindel.

The company currently sells its product in California, the New England states, the American mid-west and all points between British Columbia and Quebec.

Under the Nunavut Development Corp. umbrella, Keewatin Meat and Fish stands to make huge inroads into Europe with what it sees as a superior product.

"Right now, our products are generally sold in high-end restaurants that cater in exotic cuisine, ski resorts and golf clubs. When we're European certified, we'll be going to specific countries that have been using game meats for centuries.

"We still have underdeveloped markets right here in Nunavut we're still working on, but the prospect of moving into Europe has us pretty excited."