Baker Lake (July 16/03) - Paula Hughson is on cloud nine.

She and her colleagues are ecstatic over an announcement the federal government has approved $300,000 to top off a nearly $2 million expansion of Baker Lake Cultural Tours and Resorts.

The funds were allocated through Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's (INAC) Opportunity Fund.

The announcement was made July 8 by Eastern Arctic Liberal MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell on behalf of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

She was in Baker as part of a federal tour of MPs looking at science issues around Nunavut.

"Since April 1, 1999, the eyes of the world have been on Nunavut and this interest has led to many visitors," said Karetak-Lindell.

Hughson, one of the owners of Nunamiut Company Ltd., which operates the resort, knows how true that is.

She said that every summer they are swarmed with guests from all over Canada, the United States and Europe.

"Last week we had an Italian here," Hughson said.

Currently the resort has 10 rooms and 14 beds. When the expansion is completed at the end of the month another seven beds will be added.

"We'll be able to take guests we've been denying all week," said Hughson. Aside from the additional accommodations the resort is adding more kitchen facilities, conference space, a gift shop and a dinning room.

The expansion means more guests and more economic activity for the hamlet.

"It helps the local community and the carvers," said Hughson.

In the winter months tourism to the area decreases, but Hughson said the resort is kept busy by government departments who use the conference facilities.

Aside from INAC the project is also being supported by Industry Canada's Aboriginal Business Canada, the Government of Nunavut's Business Development Fund and the remainder through debt and equity financing.

Karetak-Lindell and DIAND minister Robert Nault both called the opportunity an investment in Nunavut.

"This has tremendous potential to contribute to the future of Nunavut," said Karetak-Lindell.