Rankin Inlet (July 23/03) - It's not every day that one of the biggest U.S. national newspapers finds a reason to come to Rankin Inlet.

Jordin Tootoo poses on the hill near the giant Inukshuk with Darrian Pilakapsi. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

But, last week, Jordin Tootoo, who helped put Rankin and Nunavut on the map, once again brought the North international publicity.

Jack Gruber, a photo-journalist with USA Today, was in town to profile Tootoo, his community and the people who have influenced his life.

"They were here a couple days before me," said Tootoo who is back home until Aug. 1.

"I'm just here hanging with all my friends and family."

Part of Gruber's coverage took Tootoo to a town landmark - the giant inukshuk.

The trademark Rankin wind was blowing strong as Tootoo posed for photos atop the ridge overlooking downtown.

With him was a smiling Darrian Pilakapsi, a local six-year-old and Tootoo fan.

Tootoo, who recently signed with the NHL's Nashville Predators, is no stranger to publicity.

He was a national hero and media icon during the World Junior Hockey Championship in Halifax last December and that publicity continues to follow him through the beginning of his professional career.

"It's a great honour," said Tootoo, who still seems humbled by the attention.

Personal publicity aside he said he is happy to bring the focus back to his homeland.

"It's great to educate the people about up here and especially the people of the U.S.A. to show them what it's like in Nunavut," said Tootoo.

Gruber has travelled world-wide following Olympic and professional sporting events.

This, however, was his first time to Canada's newest territory.

"It's beautiful," he said as he gazed out over the wind chopped waters of Hudson Bay.

"There's beautiful places all over the world, but every beautiful place has it's own unique beauty."

Tootoo heads back South to Nashville on Aug. 1 to begin training camp.

"I am going to work hard and hopefully crack the line-up," he said.