Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Sep 04/02) - A study on the feasibility of growing plants in the North has led to a decades-old tradition in Rankin Inlet.

Fabien Theytaz of Rankin Inlet proudly displays some of the fruits or, in this case, vegetables of her labour at the Catholic Church greenhouse. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The late Father Lorson, who spent 25 years in Rankin, teamed up with a researcher to begin the project a good many years ago.

When the researcher completed his studies, he left his greenhouse to Lorson to continue growing the plants.

Fabien Theytaz, who works with the Catholic Church in Rankin, says when the new church was built, Lorson built a cabin behind it to continue with the greenhouse.

The priest turned out to be quite good at growing the vegetables, which were a welcome addition to a steady diet of country food.

When Lorson passed away, Theytaz took over the project.

"I used to grow all sorts of stuff when I was with my family in Switzerland," says Theytaz.

"We had a big garden with fruits, vegetables and other plants and flowers."

Theytaz isn't the only green thumb in the region.

Father Fournier is well known for his growing talents in Repulse Bay and the church also has similar projects in Chesterfield Inlet and Arviat.

Theytaz says the summer of 2001, her first with the greenhouse, produced a bountiful crop. This year, however, has been more of a struggle.

"It has been more difficult this year because of the terrible summer weather we've had.

"We have parts of the roof done with a transparent plastic which gives the plants sunlight and warms the building when the sun is out. Unfortunately, we haven't had much sun this year to warm the building."

While the little greenhouse struggled this year, in years past it has produced banner crops of lettuce, beets, carrots, spinach and various flowers.

Theytaz often calls on families in the community with a bag of fresh lettuce or other vegetables in hand.

She says that tradition began with Lorson and people in the community are happy to see it continue.

"People know how happy growing vegetables made Father Lorson. That's another reason they're happy to see the tradition continue," Theytaz says.

"And, it's kind of special to sit down and eat vegetables grown right here it Rankin Inlet. The season is short, but I'll continue growing what I can."