Iqaluit (Dec 20/04) - Artwork by Kati Omilgoitok of Iqaluit is popping up in mailboxes around Nunavut.

Omilgoitok's drawing of a drum dancer was selected by NorthwesTel to appear on their corporate greeting cards in Nunavut.

Kati Omilgoitok with her winning entry. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

Omilgoitok will receive $100 for her winning entry, but her school is the big winner. Iqaluit's Joamie school will receive $500 towards school art programs. Principal David Serkoak said the donation is much appreciated.

"It was a very good Christmas gift for us," he said.

"It will come in handy to buy more art books and art supplies for the whole school."

Serkoak was pleased that Omilgoitok had been inspired to draw a drum dancer. The school gives students the chance to practise traditional drum dancing twice a week.

"When I saw the card, right away I knew kids had connected with our cultural program," said Serkoak.

"They used to be shy to try it, but now they want to try it openly."

Omilgoitok's drawing was one of four selected from more than 500 entries across the North.

NorthwesTel chose a winner from each of its operating areas: Nunavut, NWT, the Yukon and northern B.C.