Iqaluit (Mar 08/04) - To beat the winter blues that tend to settle in at this time of the year, Jim Tegler, recreational co-ordinator at Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit, designed an entire week of events that every student and teacher could take part in.

Mary Thompson is the Inuit Studies instructor teaching at Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

One of them was Nunavut Day on Wednesday, March 10, when students were encouraged to dress in traditional Inuit clothing and wear it all day.

Mary Thompson, Inuit Studies instructor, was thrilled to see her students decked out in colourful amutiqs, kamiiks and head pieces for the day.

"I think it's important for students to be proud of Arctic College," Thompson said. Days like Nunavut Day held during the winter "gives students something to look forward to."

Student Dawn Katsak felt beautiful in her shining, beaded head piece. "It feel good to wear traditional clothing."

Tegler said he dreamed up the week-long events, which also includes Hawaii Day and Hat Day, plus live music at night, to boost student spirit.

"It's to develop camaraderie between the students," Tegler said. "Instead of just studying all the time, it gives the students something fun."